Tukwila Police are investigating a series of illegal firearm discharges that have occurred over the past several months in the city’s Allentown and Ryan Hill neighborhoods, prompting the assignment of a detective and the use of forensic evidence to identify those responsible.
According to the Tukwila Police Department, officers have responded to numerous reports of illegal gunfire in the two areas. While police said no individuals or specific properties appear to have been targeted, some rounds have fallen into the Allentown neighborhood and caused property damage.
The incidents have typically occurred between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m., according to police.
In response, the department has assigned a detective from its Special Emphasis Unit to work with crime analysts and patrol officers to investigate the cases and identify suspects.
Police said shell casings recovered from the scenes are being submitted to the Integrated Ballistics Identification System, known as IBIS, for examination. The casings are also being processed for fingerprints.
Investigators reported multiple incidents in the Ryan Hill area, particularly in the 4900 block of South 114th Street, where officers have recovered large quantities of shell casings on several occasions. Based on evidence collected so far, police believe a fully automatic firearm was used in those incidents.
In the Allentown neighborhood, police said an individual has been observed on multiple occasions firing a handgun into the Duwamish River in the 4000 block of South 115th Street. Those incidents have occurred less frequently and at random overnight hours.
Police Seeking Tips
The Tukwila Police Department is asking anyone with information, surveillance footage or other tips related to either investigation to contact authorities. Residents can send a private message through the department’s social media channels, email tips@tukwilawa.gov or call the department’s nonemergency line at (206) 241-2121 and ask to speak with an officer regarding the incidents.
Police said they are taking the cases seriously and are continuing efforts to stop the illegal discharges and identify those responsible.
