UPDATE 12/30/19: The driver of a car who was shot in the face on SR 509 on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 has died, the Washington State Patrol (WSP) reported.

Toopers say that at approximately 8:40 p.m. on Sunday, they received a 911 call reporting a one car collision on southbound SR 509 near the Cloverdale Street exit (map below).

Once troopers arrived it was evident that the driver of the vehicle had been shot in the face and CPR was initiated.

The driver was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where he sadly died from his injuries earlier today (Monday, Dec. 30).

The information that WSP detectives have at this point is that the victim’s vehicle was traveling southbound on SR 509 near Cloverdale when an individual in an unknown vehicle fired and struck the driver, causing the vehicle to strike the barrier that divides the north and southbound lanes. The passenger in the vehicle was unable to provide a description of the vehicle that the shots came from.

Detectives were able to recover items that were placed into evidence and are being analyzed at the Washington State Patrol Crime Lab.

Detectives are also working closely with local and federal partners to further this investigation to bring the suspect in this horrible crime to justice.

WSP detectives are seeking anyone with information about this tragic incident significant or not to contact Detective Sergeant Stacy Moate at (425) 401-7745 or by email at [email protected].

It is unknown if this incident is related to 11 previous shootings on SR 509 over the last two years. A multi-agency Task Force was set up to investigate those incidents.

OTHER RECENT FREEWAY SHOOTINGS
This shooting incident unfortunately was not the only one that occurred in King County in the past few days.

Troopers say that on Dec. 26, 2019 at approximately 10 p.m., two vehicles were traveling on southbound I-5 near S. 188th exchanging gunfire. One of these vehicles rear ended another vehicle not involved in the shooting. This vehicle along with the other vehicle that was exchanging gunfire fled the scene. The vehicle that caused the collision became disable near S. 200th and the driver fled on foot but was apprehended a short time later. He was booked into the King County Jail on multiple charges. The vehicle he was driving was stolen and had switched plates.

On Dec. 29, 2019 at approximately 1:55 p.m., Washington State Patrol received 911 calls that a vehicle was firing shots into the air on southbound I-5 near SR 516. One of the witnesses was able to obtain the license plate and a great description which led to troopers intercepting the vehicle southbound I-5 near SR 18. There were total of four occupants in the vehicle all of which were booked into the King County Jail for Reckless Endangerment along with the driver being booked for Investigation of Driving Under the Influence. No injuries were reported in this incident.

The Washington State Patrol encourages anyone that observes any incidents like the ones detailed above to call 911 and provide as much information as possible.

“Working closely with our partners in law enforcement as well as information from the public has led to solving cases and will lead to solving the latest case.”

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