SEATTLE — A community leader who devoted his life to trying to prevent violence -- was shot and killed in the International District early Thursday morning.
- Emergency Center director Donnie Chin was shot
- He was rushed to the hospital
- Officials confirmed he later died
- Shooter remains at large
The director of the International District Emergency Center Donald Chin, who went by Donnie, went to a reported dispute between two groups around 3 a.m., police said.
>> See photos from the early-morning scene here
He was shot three times, but a police spokesman said Chin did not appear to be the intended target.
He was rushed to Harborview Medical Center where he died.
JUST IN: A community leader was the man shot and killed in this morning's shooting. Please share, the gunman in still at...
Posted by KIRO 7 Eyewitness News on Thursday, July 23, 2015
Police say the gunman is still at large. The shooter might have been on the roof of a nearby building around 3 a.m.
"We lost a hero today," King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a statement. "Donnie Chin dedicated himself to patrolling the streets of the Chinatown/International District and protecting the vulnerable and frail. His loss hits at the very heart of our community. Our hearts go out to his friends and loved ones, and to the many people whose lives he touched.”
Eighth Avenue from Weller to Dearborn streets was shut down for hours Thursday morning during the investigation, which was focused on a Red Chevy HHR.
Investigators combed the area looking for shell casings and any evidence on what led up to the shooting.
The windows of the car, in which Chin was sitting, were shot out. The car appears to have crashed into a building on Eighth Avenue.
Chin started patrolling the streets of the International District in high school and was known by police and firefighters for often arriving at scenes before they did. He knew the neighborhood and neighbors knew him, and when first responders would arrive Chin would help with what he knew.
"The thing that makes us unique is that we're able to relate to the community on a one-to-one basis, whereas other services can't," he told the Seattle Times in 1991. "Sometimes we wake people up if they're sleeping (on the street) to see if they're OK and give them food."
In the same newspaper story, Dr. Michael Copass of the Medic One program called Chin a protector of people in the International District.
Police have not released a detailed description of the gunman or the groups involved. Chin's death is the tenth homicide in Seattle this year.
That number includes the only officer-involved shooting this year, which is not typically counted with FBI year-end homicide statistics.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has information related to this crime are asked to contact the Seattle Police Department Homicide tip line at 206-233-5000.
Statement from Gov. Jay Inslee on the death of Donald Chin: "Trudi and I share in the terrible shock and deep mourning following this morning's tragic and violent loss of Donnie Chin. We don't know exactly what happened on that street in Seattle's International District early this morning. Yet there's no doubt, as his friends have said today, that the ID lost its savior, its protector, its hero and a big piece of its heart. Donnie Chin was a man who dedicated his life to making Chinatown and the International District safe for everyone. He had been doing that since he was a young man because he saw a need and he filled it.
“I am sure all Washingtonians join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to Donnie’s family, friends and countless people who will miss his presence on the streets of the International District.”
Statement from Seattle Mayor Ed Murray: "Donnie was a great community leader and his tragic death is a tremendous loss to Chinatown-International District, the broader Asian-Pacific Islander community, all of Seattle, and to me personally. As co-founder of the International District Emergency Center, he dedicated his life to making the Chinatown-International District – the neighborhood he loved – a safe place for all. I had the opportunity to work with Donnie over the years, including at our Find It, Fix It walk in the neighborhood last summer. His focus was always on the health and safety of others.
“On behalf of the entire city, I want to express my deepest sympathies to Donnie’s family, friends and the community.”
Statement from Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O'Toole: "I was shocked and saddened to learn of Donnie Chin's death. He was a wonderful friend to the SPD and will be sorely missed. We join his family and friends in mourning this terrible loss. We will also work tirelessly to bring his killer to justice."
Statement from Seattle City Council President Tim Burgess: "The shooting of Donnie Chin is a shocking and profound loss to the people of the Chinatown-International District and the entire Seattle community. For decades, Donnie was a true servant to the people, graciously and humbly caring for visitors and residents of his neighborhood. He loved his neighbors deeply. He was passionate in his service. He was 'on duty' 24/7, always responding with a helping hand. Donnie's life of love will always be stronger than the senseless act of violence that cut it short. The thoughts and prayers of Donnie's friends in city government are with his family and friends in this incredibly difficult time."
Statement from Seattle City Councilman Bruce Harrell: "I am saddened and outraged by the shooting death of Donnie Chin earlier this morning. Donnie spent a lifetime helping people, saving countless lives over decades of service as founder and director of the Chinatown-International District Emergency Center. This city has a lost a man with a great heart and a lifelong commitment to the service of others. My thoughts and prayers are with Donnie's family and all those who loved him."
Statement from Seattle City Councilman John Okamoto: "Donnie Chin was a beloved community member who kept the International District safe at great cost to himself. This is a man who – just weeks ago – was the first responder to administer aid to my ailing father. He is a hero and a friend, and I will miss him dearly."