Motorist shot dead on I-5 near Tukwila

By GLENN FARLEY / KING 5 News

TUKWILA, Wash. - Gunfire on Interstate 5 left an 18-year-old man dead and the shooter at large.

The incident occurred at about 2:30 a.m., northbound on I-5 at the Boeing Access Road.

Police say it was no random crime.

"All we know is that the suspect vehicle followed the victim vehicle onto the freeway," said Sgt. Mark Howie. "And as they entered the ramp, the suspect vehicle took several shots at the victim vehicle ahead of him.

The other people in the car then drove the wounded driver to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he died.

"I'm not sure if the victim himself was targeted, but the vehicle was targeted. There were several occupants in the vehicle," said Howie.

Police are trying to determine if this is gang related. They still don't have a suspect.

They don't believe there is any connection between the I-5 shooting and another case where shots were fired near the Seattle City limits Saturday night.

"We don't see any connection at this time," said Howie.

Shootings have happened along I-5 before. In 2005, friends on their way out to a late night snack were fired at and the two women in the car were wounded. That was a possible case of road rage.

In 2001, I-5 was shut down shortly after nine in the morning after a convertible carrying two men and a dog was shot at in what police say was a definite case of road range. The men and the dog survived.

But police say in most cases freeway shootings are not random, but are cars that are specifically targeted.

If you were a witness to this crime or have any information, you're asked to call Tukwila Police detectives at 206-431-3891.