A pre-dawn 911 call about a man begging for his life ended with an 18-year-old in handcuffs on Capitol Hill early Monday, after Seattle police say they caught a masked suspect with a handgun whose serial number had been destroyed.
Officers traced the call to the 100 block of Broadway East, where they arrested the teen and recovered the gun. He was later booked into King County Jail on multiple firearm-related counts, authorities said.
Officers describe the scene
According to the Seattle Police Department's East Precinct blotter, the 911 call came in around 3:30 a.m. A security guard reported overhearing a man "threatening to kill another man, screaming, and begging for his life."
When officers arrived, the blotter states they spotted a man in a ski mask running from the area and trying to hide something in his waistband. Police say they recovered a handgun with its serial number destroyed. Despite the alarming report, officers did not find the alleged victim.
Booking and alleged offenses
Seattle police said the 18-year-old was booked into the King County Jail on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm, alteration of identifying marks, furtively carrying a dangerous weapon, and carrying a weapon without a permit, according to a department post on X. The incident was logged as case number 2026-115261.
No injuries were reported.
Capitol Hill context
The arrest capped a busy stretch for officers in the East Precinct. Local reporting noted a separate overnight street fight and reports of gunfire near Thomas and Broadway the previous night. Capitol Hill Seattle covered that earlier disturbance.
Investigation and next steps
Detectives in the Seattle Police Department's Gun Violence Reduction Unit will be assigned to follow up and collect evidence, according to the department's blotter. Investigators are expected to review surveillance and witness video as they determine whether to refer the case to prosecutors for formal charges.
Legal note
Under Washington law, altering or obliterating a firearm's maker or manufacturer's number is prohibited, and possessing a weapon with altered identifying marks is treated as prima facie evidence of a violation. See RCW 9.41.140 for the statute on alteration of identifying marks.
