Columbia City Shootout: Police Search for Suspects After Backyard Gunfight

Seattle police are searching for suspects after a violent gunfight erupted in the Columbia City neighborhood on Tuesday evening. The incident occurred near South Oregon Street and Martin Luther King Jr. Way South, a location close to the Rainier Vista Boys and Girls Club. Officers arrived at the scene at approximately 6:08 p.m. following reports of gunfire.

A bystander captured the chaotic moments from behind a glass window, recording a man in a hooded sweatshirt moving erratically near a multi-sports field. The footage shows the man running and jumping to avoid incoming rounds while appearing to return fire. The video was sent to local news outlets and provides a rare visual account of the exchange taking place in a residential area.

According to the Seattle Police Department, the confrontation involved two suspects on foot and two individuals inside a black SUV parked in the adjacent lot. The two people on foot approached the vehicle and opened fire. The occupants of the SUV then exited and engaged the shooters, creating a multi-directional exchange of gunfire.

Investigators found numerous spent shell casings and live ammunition scattered across the area. Nearby property sustained damage from the bullets, though authorities have not yet located any victims. No one has been taken into custody as of the latest report.

The Seattle Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit has been notified and is reviewing the incident. The unit typically analyzes patterns of violence in specific neighborhoods to guide future policing strategies. Officers are currently processing the scene for evidence.

The shooting took place in a neighborhood where residents are familiar with the local sports field and the nearby community center. The sudden burst of gunfire disrupted the evening, prompting residents to take cover. Police are continuing to canvass the area for witnesses who may have seen the suspects flee.

Authorities are treating the case as a developing story. They have not released the identities of the individuals involved or the specific circumstances leading to the confrontation. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.