Police are investigating five separate shootings that occurred Monday night on Interstate 5 in Washington, authorities said.
Police have not confirmed if all of the shootings are connected but have confirmed that several people have been injured across all five incidents, according to a statement from the Washington State Patrol. A suspect was arrested, police said, although it was not immediately clear whether the suspect was connected to all the incidents.
Two women were taken to the hospital and I-5 was briefly closed for police to collect evidence, but it is now reopened and will not be affecting morning traffic, police said.
Trooper Rick Johnson, who is the Washington State Patrol District 2 public information officer for King County, initially posted about the first shooting incident at 9:27 p.m. local time, saying that it had taken place on northbound I-5 at 320th where a single passenger was injured.
Just 15 minutes after the initial report, police said they received another call, this time regarding a shooting on northbound I-5 at MLK. Nobody was injured in that incident but a vehicle did sustain damage.
A third shooting then took place shortly after and Washington State Patrol received a call saying that incident had occurred at northbound I-5 at I-90. One passenger was injured in that instance and the Seattle Fire Department said their crews treated a 20-year-old woman who was reported to be in critical condition, according to ABC News’ Seattle affiliate KOMO.
The fourth and fifth shootings — one that took place on southbound I-5 near State Route 18 and the other on southbound I-5 near 54th in Pierce County – injured two more people but police were able to match the suspect’s vehicle in these incidents to the first shooting that took place on northbound I-5 near 320th, Johnson said.
A suspect was subsequently identified and arrested in the Tacoma area, according to police officials.
“Pierce County Sheriff and Fircrest PD who was the agency that made the arrest after locating the suspect vehicle,” police said.
No other injuries are known at this time and authorities said they will be giving out more information on this case later Tuesday morning.
Authorities in Washington state are currently conducting an intensive investigation into a series of five consecutive shooting incidents that have occurred on a major highway in the area. The shootings, which took place over the span of just a few days, have left residents and commuters on edge as law enforcement officials work tirelessly to identify and apprehend the perpetrator.
The first incident occurred on Monday morning when a driver reported that their vehicle had been struck by a bullet while traveling on the highway. This was followed by four more shootings over the next few days, with each incident involving a different vehicle being targeted by gunfire. Thankfully, no injuries have been reported thus far, but the potential for harm is a serious concern for both authorities and the public.
Investigators are currently working to gather evidence, including surveillance footage and witness statements, in an effort to piece together the events leading up to each shooting. They are also urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
The motive behind these shootings remains unclear at this time, but authorities are treating the incidents as a serious threat to public safety. The Washington State Patrol has increased patrols in the area and is working closely with local law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all residents and travelers on the highway.
In light of these events, officials are reminding the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals they may encounter while traveling on the highway. Additionally, they are advising drivers to exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings at all times.
As the investigation continues, authorities are hopeful that they will be able to identify and apprehend the individual responsible for these senseless acts of violence. In the meantime, they are urging the community to stay informed and stay safe as they work to bring an end to this dangerous situation.
