Seattle clerk shoots knife-wielding burglar in self-defense

Rainier Valley store clerk shoots suspected robber

Seattle Police say a store clerk shot a suspected burglar in the hand after being woken up by the break-in.

SEATTLE - A man who broke into a Seattle business overnight was shot by a clerk who was asleep when the burglary occurred, according to Seattle Police.

The armed clerk fired in self-defense, as the suspect was believed to be armed with a knife.

The suspect suffered significant injuries to his hand. Police say he left a long blood trail as he fled the scene.

Featured

Teen accused of shooting Tacoma detective can be charged as adult

article

Teen accused of shooting Tacoma detective can be charged as adult

In Pierce County court Thursday, Justus Kent pleaded not guilty to charges accusing him of shooting Tacoma Police detective Jason Brooks in August of 2023. Brooks was working with the Puget Sound Auto Theft Task Force when he was shot.

The break-in happened around 2 a.m. Friday at a business on Rainier Avenue South near South Adams Street, in the Mount Baker neighborhood. The clerk was apparently asleep inside the business before being woken up by the break-in.

Officers located the suspect about a block up Rainier Avenue and treated him for his gunshot wound. He was taken to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition.

The suspect remains under arrest for burglary. Police say the victim cooperated with detectives and his gun was recovered as evidence.

This incident remains under investigation.