TUKWILA, WA – During an operation of a task force focused on crimes against children, Seattle police officers shot and killed a man. The shooting occurred at the Doubletree Hotel located on Southcenter Parkway in Tukwila. Fire crews of the Puget Sound Regional Fire Authority arrived on the scene shortly after 3:40 p.m. to respond to a report of a shooting.
Erik Wehrmeister, a guest of the hotel, described his own witness account. Wehrmeister recounted witnessing someone firing a gun, although he could not discern whether the person was a member of law enforcement or a criminal. Following this event, he took steps to ensure his safety by taking shelter in one of the hotel’s offices.
Wehrmeister’s room was reportedly three doors down from the location of the shooting. He estimates having heard approximately seven to eight shots. Wehrmeister also noted seeing a body in the corridor of the hotel.
While details still remain somewhat murky, the Seattle Police Department offered a statement regarding the shooting. Meanwhile, employees of the Doubletree hotel wanted to assure current residents and potential visitors that there is no ongoing threat.
The hotel has set up a system wherein guests can continue to enter and exit as long as they can demonstrate proof of their stay there. Non-guests, including friends or visitors, need to be escorted inside by authorized hotel personnel.