MAPLE VALLEY, Wash. — Authorities are investigating after a man was found shot inside a vehicle that crashed outside of the Red Dog Saloon in Maple Valley Wednesday evening.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) initially responded to the scene near the saloon, located at 18605 Renton Maple Valley Rd. SE, just before 7 p.m. Wednesday for a collision involving a car and a power pole.
When troopers arrived, they discovered the man inside the car had been shot. He died at the scene, according to officials.
It is currently unclear if the man died as a result of the crash or the gunshot.
King County Sheriff deputies responded as well to assist with the shooting investigation.
The Red Dog Saloon posted on its Facebook page at about 7:30 p.m. saying two cars had pulled into the far end of their parking lot, and one driver was shot and ran into a telephone pole. No one involved in the incident was a customer, the saloon said.
Authorities continued their investigation throughout the night. Detectives are expected to release more information when it becomes available.
Renton Maple Valley Road, also known as SR 169, was closed between 208th and Cedar Grove Rd. for several hours overnight into Thursday morning. A single, alternating lane of SR 169 opened to traffic around 4 a.m. while utility crews continued to work in the area, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Drivers should seek alternate routes.
This story will be updated when more information becomes available.