Shooter hits downtown Olympia businesses, Buddhist Center

Olympia police are searching for the person who shot two downtown businesses and a Buddhist Center early Monday morning.

No one was hurt, but there was plenty of damage.

Officers responded to a shots fired call around 3:15 a.m. in the 200 block of Legion Way Southwest.

When police arrived, they discovered someone shot at least five rounds into the building and broke windows at Salon Paixao, Looking Glass Analytics and Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center.

"Especially in Buddhism, we try to keep an open mind, understanding things in the world, they can be very difficult. We have very little control over external circumstances,” said Kelsang Tharden, a Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center volunteer.

Building owner Steve Cooper believes the shooting was random.

"I don't like it. We own several buildings and we're committed to the downtown, so this is obviously not welcome,” said Cooper.

Officers collected shell casings and found a bullet in one of the businesses they believe came from a handgun.

"I don't feel safe anymore, it's just so sad. I just wish things like this didn't happen,” said Ann Varpness.

"Downtown Olympia, they're trying to make it a better place for businesses and people to be, and then, something like this happens, it's just a setback,” said Jason McLauchlin.

Police are asking people in the area to check their security cameras.

Although the shooting broke windows and disturbed morning prayers, at Tushita Kadampa Buddhist Center, they’re staying positive and practicing acceptance.

"It's a hard situation. We have people trying to find happiness where happiness cannot be found, such as very unruly behavior. I hope they get better,” said Tharden.

Anyone who has information or witnessed the shooting is asked to call the Olympia Police Department.

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