Two teens shot, wounded in Pioneer Square crime ‘hot spot’

SEATTLE — Two teenagers were taken to Harborview Medical Center after a shooting in a Pioneer Square crime “hot spot” on Wednesday night.

At 11:30 p.m., Seattle police officers were called to Second Avenue and Yesler Way for a shooting that happened in an alley behind a bus shelter.

One victim ran toward First Avenue and the other victim ran to Third Avenue.

Both victims, an 18-year-old man and a 13-year-old boy, were shot in the leg.

Detectives with the Seattle Police Department’s gun violence reduction unit are investigating.

SPD Detective Valerie Carson said the area is a hot spot for crime and officers were able to respond quickly.

“It would be nice if we could have people here permanently, but unfortunately, we have several hot spots where we are devoting extra resources and our attention at this time. So, this is one of many places where we would like to have some more presence, absolutely,” said Carson.

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to call the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000.

KIRO 7 spoke with one neighbor who heard the shots go off Wednesday evening. Neighbor Richard Denny says the patrols help but aren’t enough.

“As soon as they’re gone, it starts again. As soon as [police] walk by and walk around the corner, the garbage comes out,” says Denny. “I’m moving out of the neighborhood. I can’t deal with this anymore.”

Seattle Police Chief Adrian Diaz authorized additional police patrols in early March for downtown Seattle. According to the city’s crime map, overall crime in the area had decreased by April. However, weapon arrests and gun violence increased.

This year, SPD has announced increased patrols for the International District and University District. The latter was prompted by shootings over the weekend that sent UW students to the hospital.

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