People in West Seattle are pleading for help from police following a violent night near Alki Beach.
A shooting around 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Whale Tale park killed a man just a block from the popular beach that was bustling with people for the hot weekend. The shooting suspect was still missing as of Sunday evening, police confirmed.
“It’s just scary because random people could be caught in the gunfire,” beachgoer Matthew Bradshaw said Sunday.
Bradshaw was on the beach when he claims he heard at least a half-dozen shots ring out.
“We were out front here and then we heard gunshots, so I walked over to where the ambulance was at and all the cops, and some guy was in the road bleeding to death,” he explained.
A neighbor named Maurice let a family take cover in his home after the gunfire, then saw people rushing nearby.
“Two men went running by, one of them with a gun in his hand,” Maurice said.
Police said a parking enforcement officer witnessed a man get shot in the torso, then someone drove him to the beach until first responders got there.
“It has always been a place of gathering but the violence is just getting out of hand,” Maurice said about the neighborhood.
Neighbor Linda Garcia told KOMO News she won't walk her dog Stevie along the beach at night. She wants a bigger police presence there during the busy summer months and for offenders to be held accountable.
“We need cops down here," Garcia said. "We need to put people in jail and make them stay there instead of just letting them out. Our city has deteriorated into a chaotic disaster.”
The Seattle Police Department (SPD) had no suspect leads as of Sunday evening and said and it's unclear how many people fired shots. Police ask anyone with information to call the violent crimes tip line at (206)233-5000.
“We want the community to be able come out and enjoy the great day, and hopefully that the rest of the summer we’ll be able to do so,” SPD Det. Judinna Gulpan said about the area.
"Starting in June, Southwest Precinct will begin the Alki Beach Emphasis shifts. In the meantime, officers patrol the area when they’re available and not being dispatched to 911 calls," a police spokesperson wrote in an emailed statement to KOMO.
"The police presence is not only to help deter criminal activity but also to engage with the community. Along with patrolling the area, Southwest Precinct currently conducts a Gun Violence Reduction emphasis in the evening when staffing allows. We do ask those in the area to call 911 if they’re seeing crime occurring or observe suspicious behavior that may need police attention."