A law-enforcement helicopter circling White Center on Wednesday afternoon had neighbors on edge, as deputies rushed in to investigate reports of gunfire and set up a visible command post on the ground.
King County Sheriff’s deputies were checking out reports of shots in the 12th/106th area, according to West Seattle Blog. The outlet reported that Guardian One, the Sheriff’s air-support helicopter, was over the neighborhood while ground units searched nearby streets and fielded a wave of calls from residents.
Follow-up coverage added key details. White Center Now reports the Sheriff’s Office confirmed no one was injured and that deputies were responding to “reports of what is possibly a reckless shooting” in the 10000 block of 16th Ave SW, with Guardian 1 trying to locate a suspect. According to that account, deputies established a command post near the Coronado Springs Apartments, a person was taken into custody, SWAT assisted, and investigators searched for shell casings after dispatch notes mentioned nine 9mm casings were reported.
How the air unit was used
Guardian One is the King County Sheriff’s Office air-support helicopter and is routinely used for pursuits, searches and to give commanders an overhead look during active incidents, according to the King County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit. The office says the helicopter is equipped with infrared sensors and live-video downlinks that help ground teams contain and locate suspects. If you have information about this incident, the Sheriff’s Communications Center can be reached at 206-296-3311 or through the department’s online reporting system; King County Online Reporting explains how to submit tips.
What residents can do
The high-profile response rattled neighbors and nearby businesses, with many people stepping outside or checking security cameras to figure out what was going on overhead. If you saw anything that might help investigators, call the Sheriff’s non-emergency line at 206-296-3311. West Seattle Blog also takes breaking-news tips at 206-293-6302 through its contact page.
