Seattle, Washington – Authorities in Seattle are on the lookout for a suspect involved in a random assault against a family in the city’s Wedgwood neighborhood. The incident, which occurred on June 9, 2024, left a 70-year-old father and his adult son injured along 31st Avenue NE.
According to reports, the family members were violently attacked while taking a walk near Wedgwood Elementary School, sending shockwaves through the usually peaceful community. The assault, described as random and unprovoked, resulted in the father being hospitalized, with the suspect still at large.
Neighbors, already troubled by a recent spate of crimes in the area, were taken aback by the sudden outbreak of violence. One resident, Scott Waterman, recounted his own encounter with the suspect moments before the attack, highlighting the sense of unease permeating the community.
The assailant’s erratic behavior, including yelling about rabbits and using vulgar language, prompted Waterman to contact emergency services, but the suspect soon targeted the unsuspecting family, launching a surprise assault from behind. The father and son were both victims of the attacker’s aggression, leaving the neighborhood in a state of shock and concern.
Residents like Gabe Galanda expressed deep unease over the escalating crime in the area, citing a wave of robberies, burglaries, and violent incidents that have plagued the community in recent times. The lack of resolution in past criminal cases has only added to residents’ frustrations and fears.
With the Seattle Police Department understaffed and facing recruitment challenges, there are growing calls for city leadership to address the rising crime rates in northeast Seattle. Galanda emphasized the need for decisive actions to combat the trend of violence gripping the community.
Despite police efforts, including the deployment of tracking dogs, no arrests have been made in connection with the assault against the family. The incident has left residents shaken, with many grappling with the realization that such violence could impact anyone in the neighborhood. The search for the suspect continues as the community works to come to terms with the disturbing events that have unfolded in their midst.