King County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an armed suspect at an apartment complex in South Seattle on Saturday.
On Saturday around 1:30 p.m., officers received a 911 call about a man who had violated a restraining order.
When officers arrived on scene, they reported that the suspect had barricaded himself inside.
“The family left the apartment, but the suspect retreated into the apartment,” said Deputy Sheriff Mike Mellis.
Mellis said the suspect shot several times, but the officers did not return fire.
“It wasn’t just one gunfire, a pause of a few minutes, more gunfire, more pauses, and more gunfire,” he explained.
Officers evacuated the apartment complex and all residents within range of the suspect. Nearby roads, including Rainer Avenue South, were closed during the standoff.
“It’s an extremely dangerous situation. The priorities are to evacuate people, to make sure the gunfire doesn’t reach anyone, including the officers, including the neighbors,” Mellis explained.
Mellis says the officers did not return fire at the suspect.
At around 4:00 p.m., officers reported a fire coming from the home where the suspect was located.
“The flames themselves likely prompted the suspect to leave the apartment, because once he left, he was immediately arrested without any significant incidents,” Mellis added.
According to authorities, 14 people have been evicted from their apartments and are receiving assistance from the American Red Cross.
“Making sure that the people who live there get help from the American Red Cross and have a place to stay until things calm down,” said Eric Autry with the King County Fire District.
The suspect was taken to Harborview Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries. Officers said he will then be taken to King County Jail.
