Kent Police investigators are on the scene of a late afternoon shooting on Kent’s east hill. Police officers and paramedics were sent to the Birch Creek Apartments, located in the 27400 block of 129 Avenue Southeast at about 4:26 p.m. after a 20-year-old male resident returned home with a gunshot wound.

Preliminary information indicates that the man had gone to neighboring Springwood Park to play basketball. While there, he was accosted by several men. Police are unsure of the circumstances or motive for the shooting. After being shot, the victim fled the park, returning to his residence to seek help.

Kent police officers have cordoned off the park while they search the area for evidence. Detectives have already recovered some evidence at the scene and are interviewing a number of people in an effort to develop additional information regarding the suspects. At this time police are searching for a black male in his twenties. There may also be additional men associated with the incident.

The victim was stabilized at the scene by Kent fire fighters and paramedics. He has been transported from the scene to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of life threatening injuries. No additional information in known about the extent of his injuries.

Kent Police investigators will remain on scene to conduct a detailed search of the park, looking for additional evidence. It’s anticipated that search will last well into this evening.

Kent Police Cmdr. Pat Lowery said, “We have brought in a large number of resources to aid in identifying and locating the gunman in this incident.”

Kent Police Department will provide further information regarding suspect descriptions once available.

View Larger Map