Seattle police are investigating after a 53-year-old man was attacked with a machete in North Seattle on Sunday night, with officers discovering a 20-foot blood trail at the scene.
The attack happened around 8 p.m. when patrol officers responded to Swedish Medical Center in Ballard, where the victim was being treated. The victim suffered severe lacerations to the left side of his head, left forearm, and left hand.
Police determined that the victim’s ex-girlfriend confronted him about money near Northwest 46th Street and 9th Avenue Northwest. A friend drove him to the hospital.
Officers discovered a 20-foot blood trail at the scene and processed it for evidence.
The suspect, believed to be living in Lynnwood, remains at large despite efforts by the Lynnwood Police Department to assist in the search.
The Seattle Police Department is urging anyone with information to contact the SPD Violent Crimes Tip Line at 206-233-5000. The investigation is ongoing and has been assigned to the Homicide and Assault Unit.
The attack involving a machete represents an escalation of violence in what appears to be a domestic-related dispute over money between former partners. Machete attacks typically cause more severe injuries than knife attacks due to the weapon’s size and weight, with victims often sustaining deep lacerations requiring extensive medical treatment.
The 20-foot blood trail suggests the victim either attempted to flee after the initial attack or moved significant distance before receiving assistance, indicating substantial blood loss. The length of the trail provides investigators with forensic evidence to reconstruct the sequence of events.
The victim’s transportation to the hospital by a friend rather than emergency services suggests either the severity wasn’t immediately apparent or the victim chose not to call 911, common in domestic violence situations where victims may be reluctant to involve law enforcement.
The suspect’s location in Lynnwood, outside Seattle city limits, complicates apprehension efforts and requires coordination between multiple law enforcement agencies. Cross-jurisdictional searches can delay arrests when suspects flee to neighboring cities.
The assignment to the Homicide and Assault Unit reflects the severity of injuries and potential for the case to become a homicide investigation if the victim’s condition deteriorates.
