SEATTLE, WA – In a fatal incident on Thursday, a 17-year-old boy lost his life while he was trying to intervene in a fight outside his Seattle high school. The teenager was the unintended target of gunshots that rang into the afternoon at 12:30 p.m. in the Garfield High School parking lot. The young boy was later transported to a hospital for treatment, where he succumbed to his wounds.
The deadly incident was detailed by Seattle police Deputy Chief Eric Barden. According to Chief Barden, the deadly shooting originated from an altercation involving “high school-aged students.”
The deceased teenager was trying to intervene and dissolve the fight. But one of the fighters allegedly instigated a secondary altercation with him, which culminated in the boy being shot multiple times. The suspect, who remains unidentified, has reportedly evaded arrest after fleeing the scene post-shooting.
Deputy Chief Barden categorized the teenager’s death as an “extraordinary tragedy.” As a result of the incident, Seattle Public Schools has declared that Garfield High School will remain closed on Friday and Monday.
Authorities request anyone with relevant information on the incident to reach out to the Seattle Police Department Violent Crime Tip Line at or to reach out to Crime Stoppers.