TACOMA, Wash. — Friends of an 18-year-old man who was shot and killed early Monday morning say he died while trying to help friends rescue a family member from a dangerous group of people.
They told KIRO 7 Dylan Lee Oman was shot twice by a gunman who was targeting other people.
"He approached a car with us and he caught bullets that were meant for us," said Oman's friend, Aaron Dinius.
Dinius and Michael Kilby say Oman was with them at 3:00 a.m. Monday near Browns Point, because he was asked to help a friend rescue a family member -- who they say was hanging out with notorious drug dealers.
When Oman and the group arrived in the parking lot of an apartment building, at Browns Point Boulevard and McMurray Road NE, witnesses say the conflict turned violent within seconds.
"Dylan wasn't the problem here," said Dinius. "Dylan was just a bystander. Dylan was trying to help us save a life and he lost his own over it."
Oman's friends say the driver of a car fired several shots at the group, hitting Oman twice.
Witnesses say the gunman ordered people back into his car, but Kilby fought back.
"I got into the (gunman’s) car," Kilby said. "I jumped in there and tried to hit him, while he was in the driver's seat. And then he turned and pointed the gun toward me and as I moved out of the way, he continued to fire, but he missed all of the shots, thank God!"
Kilby told KIRO 7, a friend who carried a legally concealed handgun returned fire at the car.
"He shot the car on the way out. As they were driving away, my friend unloaded a full clip on the car."
Police say the suspect got away, and they're still searching for him.
On Tuesday night, hundreds gathered to remember Oman Tuesday night at the spot where he was killed. Friends say Oman was known for his generosity.
"It's his kind heart," said Hassan Qatamin. "He had the best heart out there. He would literally give you his last dollar. If you needed it, he'll give you it, no problem."
Tacoma police have made no arrests in the shooting.
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Cox Media Group
