SEATTLE — Three Seattle police officers shot a suspect multiple times in Ballard on Thursday evening as they responded to a domestic violence call.
Seattle police said they were called to an area on NW 62nd Street near the Ballard Community Center around 5:40 p.m. for reports of someone who was following a woman.
Investigators say the man and woman knew each other.
When officers responded and approached the suspect, police say a “confrontation” occurred.
They tell us the man pulled out a gun and started shooting at the officers.
SPD says three officers shot the man multiple times.
They tell us the suspect is in critical condition as of Friday morning and is at Harborview Medical Center.
A Seattle police officer was also sent to Harborview for a bullet graze to the leg.
While nearby Adams Elementary School was not the scene of the shooting, a stray bullet hit a window of the teacher’s lounge. No one inside the building was injured.
School will operate as normal on Friday.
Principal Douglas Sohn sent this statement to parents Thursday night:
“Dear Adams Elementary School Community,
I apologize for reaching out so late this evening and recognize the timing may be disruptive; however, I felt it was important to share this information as soon as possible.
I am writing to inform you about Seattle Police Department (SPD) activity that occurred this evening in the neighborhood near Adams Elementary School. The incident was unrelated to Adams Elementary School or Seattle Public Schools, but because of its close proximity, it impacted our campus.
At approximately 6:00 p.m., SPD officers responded to a domestic incident off campus. During that response, an officer-involved shooting reportedly occurred. SPD and King County are conducting investigatory activity in the area.
Out of an abundance of caution, KidsCo staff and PTSA Multicultural Potluck volunteers who were present in the building briefly entered a shelter in place and relocated to another part of the building while police secured the area. The shelter in place was lifted shortly thereafter once police determined it was safe to do so.
Although the incident was not connected to our school, a bullet from the incident struck the exterior window of the teachers’ lounge, leaving a small impression. No one inside the building was injured, and there is no indication that any students, staff, or families were directly involved or harmed.
SPD officers requested access to the building as part of their response. Seattle Public Schools facilities staff are working closely with me to inspect the school, and we will confirm there is no additional damage. Repairs to the affected window will be completed following coordination with police.
Due to the rapidly evolving situation, the PTSA made the appropriate decision to cancel this evening’s Multicultural Potluck. I understand this was disappointing for many families, and I appreciate your understanding as safety was prioritized. I want to sincerely thank our PTSA and KidsCo staff for their swift action and calm response during this incident.
Seattle Public Schools leadership has been in contact with SPD leadership this evening and will continue to coordinate to ensure the scene is cleared as quickly and safely as possible.
School is planning to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Please enter through the playground entrances tomorrow morning if you arrive before school begins. If you are running late, please use the entrance along 28th Avenue NW where we can buzz you in. If there are any impacts to school operations, we will communicate further in the morning.
I recognize that incidents like this can be unsettling. Counseling and support services will be available at school tomorrow to support any students or staff who may need help processing this event.
Please know that the safety and well‑being of our students and staff remains my highest priority. Thank you for your continued care and support of our Adams Elementary community.
Sincerely,
Douglas Sohn
Principal, Adams Elementary School
Seattle Public Schools"
This is a developing story. The King County Independent Force Investigation Team (IFIT-KC) will be investigating the shooting.
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