A quiet Sunday in the woods turned violent in Mason County when a child was struck by gunfire as a vehicle was shot at inside Olympic National Forest near Spider Lake, according to authorities. The child was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment, and deputies say a suspect is in custody while investigators work to piece together what happened.
What investigators say
Dispatchers received a call late Sunday reporting that a vehicle had been fired on while traveling near Forest Service Road 23 and Spider Lake, and the caller said he was driving to Mason General Hospital for help, according to KING‑TV. The station reports that the child, described only as a passenger in the vehicle, was hit by a bullet and later flown to Harborview in Seattle. Officials have not released the child’s condition, and investigators remained at the scene Sunday night, KING‑TV notes.
Where it happened
The shooting was reported in the Hood Canal section of Olympic National Forest, in the Spider Lake area below Forest Service Road 23, a spot mapped by the USDA Forest Service. The agency’s recreation guidance explains that target shooting is generally allowed on national forest land unless specifically restricted, but prohibits firing across roads or shooting in any way that puts people or property at risk. Those rules are outlined in the Forest Service’s hunting and shooting guidance. Forest roads in the Hood Canal area are often remote, and cell service can be spotty, which can make an already bad emergency that much harder to handle.
Investigation and arrest
A suspect was detained at the scene and later booked into the Mason County Jail on a first degree assault charge, according to KING‑TV. Detectives are still sorting out the circumstances of the shooting and collecting evidence from the area. Authorities told the station that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Legal implications
The suspect is currently held on a first degree assault allegation, a serious felony under Washington law. RCW 9A.36.011 defines first degree assault, including conduct that causes great bodily harm or involves the use of a deadly weapon. Prosecutors will review the case and decide on formal charges as the investigation moves forward. First degree assault is treated as a class A felony under state law.
How to help
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mason County Sheriff’s Office. The department lists (360) 427‑9670 and online reporting tools on its website, with additional booking and custody details available through its hub on the county site. The sheriff’s resources also include the current inmate roster and information for families seeking details about people in custody.
