Love triangle leaves one shot

Man rammed new boyfriend’s truck before shooting

By CATHY LOGG

Herald Writer

MALTBY — A Snohomish County man demonstrated his anger at his former girlfriend’s new beau by repeatedly ramming the man’s truck with a forklift Wednesday and then shooting him outside the business where all three worked.

"Obviously, there’s a love triangle here," sheriff’s spokeswoman Jan Jorgensen said. "Apparently, he resented her new boyfriend.

"Obviously, it’s very disturbing that something like this can happen in the workplace, but we all know it does," she said. "We’re lucky that no one else got shot."

The victim, 36, was listed in satisfactory condition Wednesday at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle with a gunshot wound to his right shoulder, hospital spokeswoman Pam O’Brien said.

The suspect, 40, waited calmly for deputies to arrive. He was arrested and booked into Snohomish County Jail on investigation of first-degree assault.

The woman, 33, was uninjured and remained at Eagle Crest Cabinetry Inc. in the 8300 block of Maltby Road while sheriff’s detectives interviewed witnesses and investigated the scene.

The incident occurred after all three showed up for work. The suspect climbed on a forklift and began ramming the other man’s late-model, blue Dodge pickup, striking it numerous times and damaging the side, the right rear and the canopy, Jorgensen said.

The victim and his girlfriend heard the commotion and, along with some other employees, came outside, she said. The suspect then pulled out a revolver and fired four or five shots, she said. Only one bullet hit the victim.

Authorities could not say what the other bullets struck until the investigation is completed.

Deputies and medics arrived about six minutes after the shooting, which occurred just after 9 a.m. The victim was treated and then airlifted to Harborview.

Most employees remained inside the building. After the shooting, the suspect waited near the company’s maintenance shop.

"This dispute has been going on for a while," Jorgensen said. Eagle Crest supervisors "were aware that there were some problems between the three, and they’ve been trying to work that out and mediate."

Darline Bunker, the company’s human resources manager, confirmed that the two men were employees.

"It was a domestic dispute that happened in our parking lot," she said, adding that she could not discuss the relationship that existed between the two men.

Information on the three employees’ jobs, how long they worked for the company, their hometowns, and whether there have been prior confrontations at work was unavailable.

"No one would have expected something like this to happen," Jorgensen said. "It’s one thing to have a problem with someone, but to have someone react like this is extreme."

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

The Victorian home sits on Whidbey Island. (Alyse Young for The Washington Post)
Whidbey couple thought they found their dream home — then came the bats

The couple had no recourse after unknowingly buying a home infested with thousands of bats.

The Snohomish County Jail is pictured on Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Report reveals cause of Everett man’s death in Snohomish County Jail

Terry Crusha was booked into the jail on May 17. He died three days later, part of a string of deaths there.

Boeing workers file into Angel of the Winds Arena to vote on the latest contract proposal from the company on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Boeing Machinists prepare to go back to work after strike ends

After voting no twice, 59% of union members approved the latest contract.

Twede’s Cafe is pictured at the corner of Bendigo Boulevard and North Bend Way on Sunday, June 9, 2024, in North Bend, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Relive ‘Twin Peaks’ with cherry pie and damn fine coffee at Twede’s Cafe

The North Bend cafe, known as Double R Diner on the campy cult-classic, serves up nostalgia and a damn good breakfast.

From left to right, Lt. Cmdr. Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman. (Photos provided by the U.S. Navy)
Remains of Whidbey Island pilots to return this week

Lt. Cmdr Lyndsay Evans and Lt. Serena Wileman died in a crash on Oct. 15.

Everett
Everett men arrested in huge bust of Seattle drug ring

On Wednesday, investigators searched 31 locations, but suspects from Lynnwood and Edmonds remained at large, officials said.

Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson speaks at the Snohomish & Island County Labor Council champions dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 10, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Ferguson, WA Democrats prepare for new era of showdowns with Trump

Gov.-elect Bob Ferguson and Attorney General-elect Nick Brown are readying their legal teams.

Benson Boone (Photo provided by AEG Presents)
Monroe’s Benson Boone snags Grammy nomination for Best New Artist

The Monroe High grad this year has opened for Taylor Swift and won an MTV Video Music Award.

From left to right, Ron Muzzall and Janet St. Clair
Muzzall pulls ahead of St. Clair in tight WA Senate race

Incumbent state Sen. Ron Muzzall, a Republican, led by about 600 votes Thursday night.

Lynnwood
Lynnwood caregiver accused of $674K check fraud

Prosecutors allege Sheila Saluquen defrauded the elderly owner of a car dealership for over a year.

Deborah Rumbaugh
‘Very hostile work environment’: Stanwood-Camano school supe resigns

Superintendent Deborah Rumbaugh said Tuesday she’ll be gone at the end of the school year.

Crews from Reece Construction Company mill asphalt off of Madison Avenue during the beginning of construction on Tuesday, May 16, 2023, in Everett, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Everett shares details on upcoming budget cuts

Street improvements, libraries and communications could see significant cuts as the city tackles a deficit.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.