OLYMPIA, Wash. — Police have arrested a suspect in the shooting of a 20-year-old Olympia man.
The shooting happened in the area of Union Avenue SE and Plum Street SE at 8:15 p.m. Monday.
When police arrived, they found the victim lying in the street with wounds to his chest and elbow. He was taken to Providence Saint Peter Hospital in critical condition.
According to witnesses, an argument between a pedestrian crossing the intersection on a skateboard and a driver of a vehicle quickly developed over who had the right-of-way at the intersection.
During the argument, the pedestrian struck the vehicle's hood with his hand and then quickly proceeded to the passenger side of the vehicle, where witnesses believe he used his skateboard to strike the passenger side door and break vehicle's window.
At that moment, the driver of the vehicle produced a handgun and fired one gunshot at the pedestrian, striking him. The pedestrian collapsed to the ground and the driver quickly drove his vehicle into a nearby gas station, where he called police and waited for officers to arrive.
Detectives at the hospital with the victim learned that he had been shot one time. The bullet struck him in the elbow and traveled through his arm and into his chest. He is currently listed in stable condition and is recovering at the hospital.
The driver of the vehicle, a 46-year-old Olympia man, was arrested on first-degree assault charges and booked into the Thurston County Jail.
The investigation is continuing. Anyone who may have witnessed the shooting is asked to call detectives at 360-753-8300.
Officers said the person who fired his weapon called 911 to report the shooting.
Cox Media Group
