At least 7 vehicles hit, 6 injured in random gunfire on Interstate 5 near Seattle

The driver of a seventh vehicle, believed to be part of the shooting spree, only realised their car had been struck upon arriving in Portland, Oregon, after hearing news reports about the incident.

By: Express Web Desk

September 4, 2024 06:16 AM IST

3 min read

The latest series of shootings began on Monday at 8:26 p.m. on northbound Interstate 5, with a white Volvo suspected of firing shots that struck a nearby car, injuring the driver and passenger. (AP)

At least seven vehicles traveling along Interstate 5, just south of Seattle, were struck by gunfire overnight, resulting in injuries to six people, Associated Press reported.

A suspect was eventually taken into custody, though officials are yet to release details about the individual or speculate on a possible motive.

Washington State Patrol Captain Ron Mead announced during a press conference that two people are in critical condition after a series of highway shootings. The case will be handed over to the prosecuting attorney once the investigation is complete.

Mead highlighted that the patrol has investigated 37 highway shootings in King County, including Seattle, since the start of the year, consistent with previous years. Statewide, there have been 57 such incidents in 2024.

Also read | Bill Gates flags off 1st Indian Independence Day celebration in Seattle area, describes India as ‘global leader’

The latest series of shootings began on Monday at 8:26 p.m. on northbound Interstate 5, with a white Volvo suspected of firing shots that struck a nearby car, injuring the driver and passenger.

Two additional incidents followed, with another vehicle hit by gunfire and a passenger injured by broken glass, and a third individual hospitalized with a leg injury after reporting being shot at by an unknown vehicle.

Three hours later, three more cars were struck on southbound I-5 in Pierce County. In one of these cars, a passenger suffered leg injuries, while another victim was hit in the neck and hospitalised.

Story continues below this ad

Also read | Indian mission in Seattle raises Jaahnavi case with authoritie

A seventh vehicle, believed to be part of a shooting spree, was discovered with damage in Portland, Oregon, after its driver heard news reports and realised their car had been struck.

The driver plans to return to Washington to aid in the investigation. Although not all victims identified the source of the gunfire, police believe the Volvo driver was responsible due to the timing and locations of the incidents.

Authorities condemn the shootings, emphasizing the importance of feeling safe on transportation systems. Following the final shooting, an officer spotted the white Volvo entering an apartment complex in Fircrest, leading to a brief pursuit and the suspect’s arrest.

Investigators refrained from speculating on the motive, calling the intentional harm and mayhem “unacceptable” and emphasizing the need for safety on the freeways.

(with inputs from AP)

From the homepage