GRANITE FALLS — Four people were arrested Sunday after gunfire broke out at party on Wallace Street in Granite Falls.
Detectives learned that a neighbor returned fire after someone in a dark-colored sport utility vehicle reportedly started shooting at a duplex.
Police stopped the suspect vehicle a few blocks away. There were what appeared to be bullet holes in the Ford Explorer and a shattered window, according to court papers. The four people inside, including a 17-year-old girl, were arrested for investigation of drive-by shooting.
There were no reports that anyone was hit by bullets.
Three men, including the driver, the suspected shooter and another passenger, made a brief appearance Tuesday in Everett District Court. Judge Anthony Howard agreed to release one passenger, an 18-year-old high school student. The judge set bail at $250,000 for the suspected shooter, 20, and the driver, 19. The girl was booked into the Denney Juvenile Justice Center.
Snohomish County sheriff’s detectives are investigating.
Witnesses told detectives that a disagreement erupted at the party and the group was involved in a physical fight, sheriff’s detective Dave Fontenot wrote in an affidavit.
A neighbor, who was awakened by the noise, armed himself and went outside. He saw the fight and yelled at the brawlers that he was calling 911. He said a group of people he didn’t recognize ran toward a SUV. He heard several gunshots coming from the vehicle. The man told police he heard shots hit the duplex. He fired back, estimating that he shot at the vehicle about seven times.
He returned inside, reloaded his weapon and waited for police.
The man cooperated with detectives and allowed investigators to search his place, Fontenot wrote.
Investigators found damage to the duplex that appeared consistent with bullet holes. They also found casings in the street where the Explorer was seen.
Three of the people believed involved declined to speak with investigators. The suspected shooter said there had been a fight but denied knowing anything about gunfire or how the Explorer was damaged. He did admit that he was scared for his safety and stuck his head between his legs as they drove away from the party.
Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463, hefley@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @dianahefley
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