Executive Summary
- A 16-year-old male was arrested in Seattle’s Capitol Hill for a shooting and attempted carjacking.
- The suspect allegedly fired at security staff from a moving Maserati after being ejected from a bar.
- Five people narrowly escaped gunfire, though patrons were injured by shattered glass.
- Police recovered a firearm and impounded the vehicle involved in the incident.
- The teen faces charges of felony assault and robbery.
SEATTLE — Seattle police officers arrested a 16-year-old male in the Capitol Hill neighborhood early Thursday morning after he allegedly opened fire on a pizza parlor and attempted to carjack a rideshare vehicle at gunpoint. The incident resulted in injuries from shattered glass and prompted a significant police response in the 1400 block of 11th Avenue.
According to the Seattle Police Department (SPD), patrol officers responded to reports of a shooting at approximately 1:40 a.m. Upon arrival, investigators discovered a pizza parlor riddled with bullet holes. Witnesses provided statements indicating the sequence of events began when the establishment’s security guard escorted an intoxicated young man, who was presumed to be using a fake identification card, out of the business.
Police reports state that security personnel walked the teenager to a Maserati parked in front of the venue. As the luxury vehicle began to drive away, the suspect allegedly fired several rounds through the rear passenger window toward security staff and bystanders standing on the sidewalk. Surveillance footage reviewed by authorities captured five individuals narrowly escaping the gunfire, running and ducking for cover. While no individuals suffered gunshot wounds, a police sergeant confirmed that several employees and patrons were injured by flying glass debris.
Responding officers located the unoccupied Maserati nearby, noting bullet damage to the window and shell casings inside the cabin. The vehicle was subsequently impounded as evidence. During the processing of the crime scene, officers observed the suspect returning to the area. The teenager attempted to flee upon sighting law enforcement but tripped and was taken into custody without further incident.
Shortly after the arrest, an Uber driver approached police to report that the same teenager had attempted to steal his car at gunpoint. The driver successfully evaded the theft and reported no injuries. Officers searching the vicinity recovered a firearm believed to be used in the shooting.
The suspect was arrested for felony assault and robbery. Due to his level of intoxication, he was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation before being booked into juvenile detention. Detectives indicated that an additional weapons charge may be added as the investigation concludes.
Investigative Outlook
The immediate apprehension of the suspect underscores the critical role of surveillance footage and witness cooperation in managing public safety within high-density nightlife districts. As the investigation proceeds, forensic analysis of the recovered firearm and the impounded vehicle will be pivotal in solidifying the charges. The case now moves to the juvenile justice system, where prosecutors will assess the severity of the offenses against the suspect’s age and history.
It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
