71-Year-Old Business Owner Shoots and Stops Armed Burglar After Being Awakened in South Seattle Smoke Shop

SEATTLE, WA — A commercial burglary in South Seattle early this morning resulted in a 42-year-old suspect being shot and arrested by Seattle Police.

At approximately 2:05 a.m., officers responded to reports of a burglary in progress at a smoke shop and convenience store located in the 4200 block of Rainier Avenue South. While en route, another call reported an injured man a few blocks north of the initial scene.

Upon arrival, police found the suspect near Rainier Avenue South and South Andover Street, suffering from a severe gunshot wound to his hand. Officers provided immediate medical aid, including applying a tourniquet, until Seattle Fire Department personnel arrived and continued treatment. The suspect was subsequently transported to Harborview Medical Center in serious condition and placed under arrest on charges of burglary. Officers also found suspected narcotics on the suspect, further complicating his legal situation. He is expected to be booked into King County Jail following medical evaluation.

Investigations revealed that the suspect had broken into the business and was confronted by the 71-year-old store owner, who had been asleep in his smoke shop at the time of the break-in. The store owner reported that the burglar was armed with a knife, prompting him to defend himself with a single-shot 12-gauge shotgun, which he used to shoot the intruder. The business owner stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with detectives. The shotgun and shears, believed to be used by the suspect to gain entry, were recovered as evidence.

Detectives from the felony General Investigations Unit are leading the investigation and processed the crime scene for further evidence.

In this incident, the 71-year-old business owner effectively used a firearm to protect himself from an armed intruder. It’s crucial for gun owners to be trained in the use of their firearms and understand local self-defense laws. Additionally, securing a business with alarms and surveillance can provide early warnings and potentially prevent confrontations.