A 15-year-old boy suffered a serious gunshot wound Tuesday night in north Seattle, but investigators now believe the shooting may have happened under very different circumstances than initially reported.
Seattle police responded around 10:45 p.m. June 23 to reports of a shooting near North 93rd Street and Aurora Avenue North, according to the Seattle Police Department.
Officers were directed to the sidewalk near 10507 Aurora Ave. N., where Seattle Fire Department medics were treating a teenager who had been shot in the torso, police said.
The victim was stabilized at the scene and transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.
Initial Reports Suggested Drive-By Shooting
Police initially said witnesses reported the teen was standing on a sidewalk when a dark-colored sedan approached and a passenger fired multiple shots before the vehicle fled the area.
However, investigators later determined the shooting may have occurred inside a vehicle rather than on the sidewalk.
According to Seattle police, the revised account indicates the victim was driving a vehicle when a passenger seated in the back seat was handling a handgun and accidentally discharged the weapon, striking the driver.
Police said the shooter then exited the vehicle and ran from the scene.
Victim Drove to Seek Help
Investigators said the wounded teen continued driving for several blocks before stopping after spotting Seattle Fire Department crews who were already handling an unrelated call nearby.
When the victim sought assistance, several other passengers reportedly got out of the vehicle and fled on foot, according to police.
Seattle police said the updated version of events appeared to be more consistent with information obtained through the department’s Real Time Crime Center.
Investigation Continues
Detectives with the Seattle Police Department’s Gun Violence Reduction Unit are leading the investigation and working to determine exactly what led to the shooting.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000.
