Lockdown lifted at YMCA camp after reports of gunshots in area; nothing found after 3-hour search
PRESTON, Wash. -- Sheriff’s deputies say all kids are safe after the sound of gunshots were reported near YMCA Camp Terry in Preston. The camp was placed on lockdown for several hours as a precaution.
“As soon as we heard the shots, our staff jumped into action and got the kids to a safe place and kept hem engaged until we ready to tell them about what was happening,” said Jennifer Zimmerman, the senior regional director for youth programs at the YMCA.
King County sheriff’s deputies were called after gunshots were reported around 11:16 a.m. in the area of SE 86th St & 311th Ave SE in Preston.
“I heard the gunfire from my job and it was repeatedly shots and it definitely sound like a semi-automatic fire,’ said Jason Lofquist, a father who lives in the area.
Authorities said multiple deputies and the sheriff’s Guardian 1 helicopter were involved in the search. They searched for more than three hours but never located anything out of the ordinary.
A sheriff spokesperson said they didn’t know where the gunfire came from. The sheriff’s office noted the area is designated an “open shoot” area, meaning it is legal to fire guns in a safe place, time and manner. But “the proximity to the local YMCA day camp had deputies concerned.”
The King County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release:
“Deputies and the reporting parties heard anywhere from 30-60 rounds total over a 20 minute period initially. The last shot that was heard, came at around 1144 AM and was heard by deputies that were walking in the woods. Deputies reported that this last shot sounded close enough that they were unsure if they were the targets.
“After this, several other Deputies, including the Sheriff’s Office Guardian 1 helicopter as well as multiple TAC-30 team members, responded to the area. Guardian 1 checked the area by air with a FLIR and the TAC-30 team checked the area, including several small out buildings in the area, by foot.
“Despite over 3 hours of searching, no suspects or evidence of any shooting was found. At around 2:30pm, Deputies that had been at the camp during the search, lifted the lockdown and the roads in the area were re-opened.
“It is unclear what or if anything was the target of the shots that were heard, or who was doing the shooting. No person was ever seen shooting or holding a gun. No evidence was found of anything being hit or damaged by any gunshots. There were no injuries to anyone during this incident.
“Deputies would like to speak with anyone that may have been in the area shooting or know of someone who was. Anyone with that information is asked to call 206-296-3311.”