Federal Way, Wash. — A tragic shooting at an apartment complex early Saturday morning resulted in the death of an 18-year-old male and left an 11-year-old child hospitalized with serious injuries. The incident occurred around 1:22 a.m. at a complex located on 18th Avenue SW, where police believe a domestic dispute escalated into gunfire.
Witnesses reported hearing a series of gunshots, estimating at least 15 to 20 rounds fired. The chaos left numerous bullet holes in the building, and residents were shaken by the sudden violence. One neighbor described the harrowing moments, saying she was awakened by the sound of bullets, prompting her to dive to the floor and instruct her family to take cover.
Despite swift emergency response efforts, the 18-year-old victim succumbed to his injuries at the scene, a police spokesperson confirmed. The child, who was reportedly sleeping at the time of the shooting, was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains in serious condition in the intensive care unit.
The suspected shooter fled the scene before authorities arrived. As of Saturday afternoon, law enforcement officials are actively searching for the individual involved. The unsettling nature of the crime has left the community on edge, with residents expressing fear over the sudden and tragic violence occurring so close to their homes.
Local authorities are urging anyone with information regarding the shooting to contact the Federal Way Police Department at 253-835-6799. The investigation is ongoing as detectives work to uncover the circumstances surrounding the incident and the motives behind the domestic disturbance that escalated to gunfire.
The unsettling event has led to discussions about the broader implications of violence within the community, particularly the impact on families and children. Neighbors voiced their concerns, emphasizing the need for increased safety measures and community support in the face of such tragedies.