'This area is bad': Neighbors fed up with shootings in Little Brook area of Lake City



SEATTLE -- Seattle police SWAT teams converged on a Lake City apartment complex Friday for what they called a possible hostage situation. It happened in the Little Brook area near 145TH.

Neighbors say it started with an argument that led to a shooting.

“I heard a group of shots,” Carmelo Gonzalez said. “The guy that got shot was just walking back and forth. It must have been the adrenaline that kept him going. His leg was saturated in blood.”

According to investigators, during the shooting, a woman was grabbed and brought back into apartment by a possible suspect.

“That’s why there’s this large response out here now,” said Seattle police detective Patrick Michaud, while several SWAT members surrounded the building.

The victim who was shot in the leg was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Eventually, all of the suspects inside the apartment  surrendered.

As police try to piece it all together, people who live on that stretch of 32nd Avenue say they’re fed up.

“I’m concerned about this area because I’ve got a grandson and he plays out here,” said Diane Nelson. “This area is bad. It’s real bad.”

Another young man in the neighborhood died of a gunshot wound Sunday. Neighbors say gunfire is now common in the area, with lots of close calls and buildings being struck by bullets.

“It’s not worth it,” said Gonzalez. “It’s a form of stupidity.”

Police say it’s too early to say if the two shootings in the past week are related.

But Gonzalez has seen enough. He’s breaking his lease and plans on moving.

“There’s certain rights we reserve, and I reserve the right to rest my head somewhere safe.”