Gang Unit detectives are investigating after reports of gunfire Thursday evening near Columbia City led police to the scene of a one-vehicle collision and a gas leak.
At about 9:30 pm, multiple 911 callers reported hearing shots fired in the area of Rainier Avenue South and South Genesee Street. Moments later, a car crashed into a building in the 4400 block of Rainier Ave. S. Witnesses reported seeing several men run from the crash scene.
Officers arrived quickly and found a beige Buick crashed into the front entrance of a catering business. The collision caused a gas leak, and first responders had to cordon off the area until Puget Sound Energy employees could arrive to shut off the gas. Seattle Fire and PSE stopped the gas leak and searched the vehicle and business. No one was found inside the building or the car.
A witness at the scene told police they had seen someone in a dark-colored sedan shooting at the Buick prior to the crash. Police were not immediately able to locate the dark-colored sedan or the occupants of the crashed Buick.
This remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Seattle Police at (206) 625-5011.