EVERETT — A Lake Stevens man accused of shooting his former roommate Saturday allegedly told detectives he intended to “cause great bodily harm” but didn’t want to kill her.
“He expressed very little concern about (her) injuries and said she needed to learn a lesson,” according to court papers.
Thomas L. Clark, 71, was jailed Saturday for investigation of first-degree domestic violence assault. The incident occurred around 2:15 p.m. in the 400 block of E. Lake Shore Drive.
The victim, 49, was shot in the abdomen and taken to Providence Regional Medical Center Everett. Her injury was not believed to be life-threatening.
Clark was arrested May 18 for investigation of one count of fourth-degree domestic violence assault for an incident involving the same woman.
The victim had sought a protection order against Clark. In filling out the paperwork, she marked a box asking that he surrender a firearm, saying, “I could be physically harmed.”
After Saturday’s shooting, Clark allegedly told a detective with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office that he’d “had enough” and felt frustrated with the woman.
He reportedly described concealing a handgun in his coat, walking to the woman’s home, knocking on the door and letting himself in despite being told by another woman that he couldn’t come inside.
While the other woman called 911, Clark allegedly “walked directly toward (the victim) and without another word to her, from a distance of about 10 feet, he fired one shot,” court papers said.
Afterward, he reportedly placed the handgun down and waited for deputies to arrive.
During an interview with the detective, Clark reportedly said he watched the TV show “COPS” and knew he may have to serve an additional five years to an assault charge for using a firearm.
Bail was set at $500,000.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446; stevick@heraldnet.com.
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