Renton police arrested a man early Wednesday morning suspected of shooting and killing another man inside a busy grocery store following an argument that escalated to violence.
Officers responded after 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to reports of gunfire inside a small grocery store in the 3700 block of NE 4th Street, just north of Maplewood Park. Police found a man dead from multiple gunshot wounds. The victim was described as a Hispanic man in his 30s.
Initial investigation suggests an argument between the suspect and victim led to a physical fight before shots were fired. Police have not disclosed what sparked the dispute. Witnesses told investigators the shooting occurred in front of multiple customers inside the store.
The suspect fled immediately after the shooting, driving a short distance before abandoning the vehicle and continuing on foot. Officers searched the area with help from the King County Sheriff’s Office Guardian One helicopter and a K-9 unit. Police were on scene interviewing at least a dozen people as of 11 p.m. Tuesday.
“Shortly after the shooting, the suspect got into a vehicle and drove a short distance away. He then left the vehicle and fled on foot. At that point, we called in our K-9 and Guardian One,” said RPD spokesperson Meeghan Black. Police announced at 12:19 a.m. Wednesday that a suspect was in custody.
Medical Examiner personnel arrived at the scene as investigators photographed and collected evidence. Authorities are asking anyone with information or surveillance video to call Renton police.
