Teens arrested after shooting near Franklin High School led to a swift police response Wednesday afternoon in Seattle’s Mount Baker neighborhood, where officers detained two juvenile suspects and launched an ongoing search for additional individuals believed to be involved.
Police were called shortly before 1 p.m. after reports of gunfire in the 3300 block of Wetmore Avenue South, an area close to several schools. When officers arrived, they located multiple spent shell casings, confirming that a shooting had occurred.
Witnesses told officers they saw several teenagers running from the scene moments after the gunfire. Patrol officers quickly canvassed nearby streets and located two boys who matched witness descriptions. Both were detained without incident.
During the arrest, officers recovered a handgun fitted with an extended magazine. Investigators also identified an illegal conversion device attached to the weapon that allows a firearm to discharge rounds at a much faster rate than standard operation. Authorities consider such devices a serious public safety threat because they increase the potential severity of shootings.
The two suspects, ages 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm. Police said both teens are prohibited from having guns due to prior felony histories despite being under 18. They were transported to the Judge Patricia H. Clark Children & Family Justice Center and booked into juvenile detention.
Investigators believe the detained teens were involved in a confrontation that included at least two other individuals. Those individuals left the area before police arrived. Officers used a K9 team to search surrounding blocks and nearby open spaces, but the additional suspects were not immediately located. Detectives say efforts to identify and find them continue.
Because the incident happened near school grounds during the day, safety measures were implemented quickly. Franklin High School was placed on lockdown while officers worked in the area. John Muir Elementary School initiated a shelter-in-place procedure and adjusted dismissal plans as a precaution.
School officials later confirmed that no students or staff were injured. Normal operations resumed after police determined there was no immediate threat to campus safety.
Detectives are now reviewing surveillance video, interviewing witnesses, and processing evidence collected at the scene. Investigators are working to determine what led to the shooting and whether the individuals involved knew each other.
The case has been assigned to detectives focused on gun violence investigations, with particular attention on how the firearm and illegal conversion device were obtained.
The incident has renewed community concern about gun violence involving teenagers and the presence of modified firearms in neighborhoods near schools.
The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional arrests are possible as new information emerges. Anyone with information about the shooting is encouraged to contact investigators.
