Bail has been set at $1 million dollars for one of three suspects, accused of shooting at undercover officers with the Seattle Police Department and leading them on a pursuit before crashing into an innocent person’s car.
Appearing in court Thursday, the 26-year-old suspect – whom KIRO 7 is not naming because he has not been charged – cried out after bail was set, but became quiet when defense attorney William Prestia said, “Sir, sir, I advise you to not say anything.”
According to probable cause documents, the suspect was in a gray Dodge Challenger that had no license plates when two plain-clothed cops - each in an unmarked car – spotted it at S Othello St and Martin Luther King Jr Way S Wednesday evening.
The officers began following the Challenger. Police say, at one point, the occupants of the car began firing at one of the officers’ cars. Investigators say they found 8 to 11 suspect bullet holes in the cops’ vehicles.
Seattle police maintain the officers pursued the suspect car but didn’t return fire. The pursuit ended when the Challenger crashed into a bystander’s Toyota Highlander at S Ryan Way near 51 Ave S.
The Toyota’s driver was injured and taken to a hospital. Two of three people who had been in the Challenger took off on foot. Police say one attempted a carjacking, but both were arrested. Court documents say that the suspect – who appeared in court Thursday – was found in the backseat of the Challenger, which police determined had been stolen. Police say they found a handgun and a rifle inside the car.
In court on Thursday, Deputy Prosecutor Patrick Rettig requested $2 million dollars bail. “The state has significant concerns over the allegations, here, considering that it appeared to be an ambush-style shooting of a car that is occupied by Seattle Police Officers,” Rettig said.
Defense Attorney William Prestia pushed back. “They were shooting at somebody that was following them around several corners. That might not be justified on the one hand. On the other hand, I’d be a little worried if somebody started following me around.”
The judge found probable cause for attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and drive-by shooting. The suspect’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 17th.
The second suspect is hospitalized due to injuries sustained in the car crash. The third suspect is being held in juvenile detention.
Seattle police say an officer who was injured during the arrest was treated and released from a hospital.
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