Seattle police are investigating two shootings in Belltown that left two people dead and three others injured early Sunday.The first shooting was called in shor
Seattle police are investigating two shootings in Belltown that left two people dead and three others injured early Sunday.
The first shooting was called in shortly after 12:42 a.m., with victims reported in the 300 block of Denny Way and Clay Street, police said. Officers found one man with a gunshot wound to the chest and another with a gunshot wound to the abdomen. Both were taken to Harborview Medical Center; the man found on Denny Way was in critical condition and later died, while the other was listed in serious condition.
A third man and a woman later arrived at Harborview seeking treatment for gunshot wounds.
Police said an initial investigation, aided by the department’s Real Time Crime Center, found that a fight involving three people occurred in the street shortly before the shooting. Homicide and Gun Violence Reduction Unit detectives are investigating what led to the gunfire.
Prior to reports of shots fired, police confirmed there was an incident of street racing at the same intersection, but officers say the street racing and the shooting are not connected.
Residents who live along Clay St. told KOMO News the street racing "takeovers" happen often, including back-to-back nights this weekend.
"We hear people revving their engines, we hear cars starting to burn out, and we're like, 'Oh, is it gonna be yet another street race?'" a resident told KOMO News anonymously.
In a separate shooting reported shortly before 2 a.m. near Third Avenue and Blanchard Street, officers found a woman inside a car with gunshot wounds to her head and torso, police said. She was taken to Harborview in critical condition and later died.
Police said the woman was sitting in the parked vehicle when a suspect fired several shots into it, striking her.
The suspect left the area and had not been arrested. Detectives are investigating both shootings and have stated that the incidents are not related. Police don't have a suspect in custody in either shooting.
While police claim the street racing and initial shooting are not related, residents aired out frustration with a lack of attention given to the issue. Residents said the street takeovers are happening more frequently, often over long, holiday weekends, and shots have been fired at nearby apartment buildings during incidents in the past.
"I feel like leaving the city," another anonymous resident said. "It's disappointing that people have to lose their lives, and it doesn't feel like enough is being done to address this. I would just like Seattle to be safe again."
While Seattle police would not make anyone available for an on-camera interview with KOMO News, a statement from Interim Chief Andre Sayles was emailed to media at about 2:40 p.m. Sunday.
“We will stand together with our community to bring justice to these victims and their loved ones," the statement read in part. "We will work tirelessly with our partners to find lasting solutions."
Anyone with information about either shooting is asked to call the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.
