Newly released 911 emergency recordings capture the terror and confusion that erupted during the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting, including the anguished voice
Newly released 911 emergency recordings capture the terror and confusion that erupted during the deadly Bite of Seattle shooting, including the anguished voice of a wounded man pleading for help as first responders scrambled to reach multiple victims.
“I've been shot with a firearm,” the victim told a dispatcher after the gang-related shootout on July 26 outside the Seattle Center Armory.
When the dispatcher asked whether he knew where the shooter was, the caller struggled to respond through cries of pain.
“I don't know who did it. Aah,” he said. “I took cover...I'm losing blood.”
The recordings provide a raw account of the first frantic minutes after at least two groups exchanged gunfire at a festival where thousands were in attendance. Three people ended up being killed and another four were wounded.
The calls also reveal the rapidly escalating response behind the scenes as dispatchers, police officers, firefighters and paramedics tried to determine how many people had been shot and whether the danger was over.
“We're going to need as many aid units as possible. Multiple down,” a dispatcher said.
“Do we know how many?” a paramedic responded over the radio.
“Not at this time,” came the reply. “They are saying multiple victims down.”
As aid units were directed toward access points near the shooting scene, emergency crews repeatedly sought information about whether an active shooter remained in the area. It was a critical question as medics prepared to move in and treat the wounded.
The first “shots fired” call triggered an urgent, citywide “help the officer” broadcast. Police ran toward the threat to secure the scene, make arrests and prevent additional violence.
Minutes later, dispatchers were paging supervisors and command staff. Personnel from the Gun Violence Reduction, Homicide and Crime Scene Investigation units also quickly mobilized.
Police even sent additional resources to area hospitals amid concerns about potential follow-up violence.
Authorities have identified two suspects.
Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19, was identified by police as a suspect and died at the scene. A 15-year-old boy arrested at the scene was charged with first-degree assault and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. The case was initially filed in juvenile court, but prosecutors later moved to have the teenager tried as an adult.
At least one additional suspect is believed to have escaped and has not yet been located. Police have not released a description.
Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44, was another shooting victim who died at the scene. Ashley Whitehead, 56, died at a hospital.
Four other victims survived, which includes a 2-year-old boy, a 39-year-old woman, a 23-year-old man and a 27-year-old man.
The recordings add another dimension to a shooting that has already prompted scrutiny of both public safety at Seattle Center and the city's response after the gunfire stopped.
Mayor Katie Wilson ordered the Seattle Office of Inspector General to conduct an independent review of the police response and the delays in communicating information to the public. The inspector general's findings are expected this fall.
Seattle City Council members are seeking answers sooner. The council's Public Safety Committee has scheduled a Sept. 22 hearing where members are expected to directly question police about the shooting and response.
