SEATTLE — One person was killed and another was injured in a shooting early Saturday morning in West Seattle, police say.
According to the Seattle Police Department, officers responded to the 1000 block of Harbor Avenue Southwest at 3:51 a.m. for reports of multiple gunshots.
Arriving officers reportedly found a 22-year-old man in the roadway with a gunshot wound. The Seattle Fire Department pronounced the victim dead at the scene.
With the summer months ahead, people who live near Alki Beach told KING 5 they are worried they’ll be next.
"Right now, the criminals own our cities," said Gladys, a neighbor who preferred not to share her last name. "They're getting younger and younger. People come, and sometimes they just do not know how to behave.”
The man was shot dead near the parking area by the viewpoint on the northernmost tip of West Seattle.
Seattle police are still investigating what led up to the shooting but said multiple suspects fled the scene. Police said an additional victim was located in Renton with a gunshot wound and was transported to the hospital.
A nearby residence was struck by gunfire but there were no injuries reported.
To deter crime and dangerous behavior, the city’s parks department began closing beaches like Alki about one hour earlier in the summer.
"We have to enforce the laws that we have in the books," said Gladys.
Still, Saturday’s bloody scene was set against the backdrop of a city struggling to keep the peace. It's why Rob Saka, councilmember for the district where Alki Beach is located, said Monday, “I have been in contact with the mayor’s office to express my frustration and request collaboration on urgent solutions.”
We asked Gladys what her reaction was to that.
"When is it going to start? Okay. We have heard that before," she said.
Saka has only served as a council member since January.
"Yeah, he's new," said Gladys. "So we're hoping that he keeps his promises."
In a separate incident at the same location five weeks ago, a man in his 40s was shot and injured in a drive-by shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to call the SPD Violent Crime Tip Line at (206) 233-5000, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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