A 24-year-old man was shot in the hand during an attempted armed robbery in Belltown on Friday evening, Seattle police report.
The incident occurred near 1st Avenue and Blanchard Street around 7 p.m. According to investigators, the suspect pressed a handgun against the victim’s ribcage during the robbery attempt. The weapon discharged, striking the victim’s hand before the suspect fled eastbound through a nearby alley.
The victim was transported to Harborview Medical Center in stable condition. Police have not released a description of the suspect, who remains at large.
The shooting took place in the heart of Belltown’s residential and commercial district during typical evening foot traffic hours. Circumstances surrounding how the gun discharged remain unclear from police accounts, whether intentional, accidental during a struggle, or resulting from the victim’s resistance.
Police are encouraging anyone with information to contact the Seattle Police Department Violent Crimes Tip Line at (206) 233-5000. As of Friday night, no arrests have been made in connection with the incident.
The attempted robbery adds to ongoing public safety discussions in Seattle’s downtown neighbourhoods as the area continues its post-pandemic recovery efforts.
