Suspect in custody following shootout with Renton police

RENTON, Wash. — Police swarmed an apartment complex after an exchange of gunfire erupted in Renton.

At 4:18 a.m., officers were called to the 2000 block of Lake Washington Boulevard for reports of a car prowler who was breaking into a vehicle at the Bella Vista Apartments, across the street from Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park.

When officers arrived, the suspect immediately shot at them, according to Renton police. An officer returned fire and the suspect ran away.

A K-9 unit tracked the suspect, who was found hiding in some bushes and was taken into custody.

No one was hurt by the gunfire.

KIRO 7 reporter Kevin Ko spoke to neighbors who heard the gunfire.

“(I heard) five shots. And I knew it was five shots,” said Anita, who said she called police. “911 was already full. So I didn’t get through to it.”

“We got woken up to gunshots,” said a neighbor, who declined to be identified.

Residents inside the gated community said the shootout was the most violent thing to ever happen there.

“It makes you question like where you live and if you still want to be in this spot. It’s pretty bad,” said neighbor Chad.

Numerous officers from several law enforcement agencies were at the scene, including police from Renton, Tukwila and Kent. Personnel from Renton Regional Fire also responded.

The Valley Investigation Team will conduct the investigation.

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