Victim’s friend a suspect in Lynnwood shooting

Published 1:30 am Tuesday, January 10, 2017

LYNNWOOD — Police here think they’ve identified the gunman in a Dec. 28 shooting that left a man with a bullet wound to his lower left leg.

Contrary to what they initially were told, the assailant doesn’t appear to have been a hitchhiker who opened fire during a robbery in a car.

Instead, investigators have arrested one of the victim’s friends.

Evidence suggests the shooting happened at a Lynnwood home during a party where marijuana was smoked, booze consumed and firearms displayed, according to court papers.

The suspect, 22, was jailed over the weekend for investigation of first-degree assault. He allegedly took offense to the victim’s teasing about how he handled a pistol. The close-range shot was fired after the dispute appeared headed toward a fist fight.

“See I told you, we don’t (expletive) play,” the man reportedly said after firing the shot.

The victim left the home and sought help with a 911 call placed at the city transit center nearby.

At the time, he told police he was robbed by a man who sported dread-locks and wore a white sweatshirt.

Police had questions. A court-approved search of the victim’s car turned up no bullet holes, firearms or shell casings.

The victim later said he was worried about the potential for retaliation if he told police.

When confronted, the suspect denied shooting anyone. He insisted the victim’s injury was self-inflicted, documents show.

The suspect and the wounded man have known each other since high school, according to court papers.