A quiet Monday evening drive on southbound State Route 509 turned into a scare near the Cloverdale Street exit when someone in a red Jeep allegedly opened fire on another driver, leaving a bullet hole in a pickup truck but fortunately no injuries.
Washington State Patrol investigators say a red Jeep pulled up alongside the victim's 2013 Dodge Ram on the driver’s side. According to KIRO 7, a rear male passenger in the Jeep made hand gestures, then fired a handgun at the truck. The patrol's initial account says the Jeep, with a female driver and a female front-seat passenger, kept heading southbound on SR 509 after the shots were fired.
What Troopers Are Asking
WSP Trooper Rick Johnson told KIRO Newsradio, “We believe someone had to have seen this,” and investigators are betting that at least one dash cam caught a crucial angle. Even a brief or partial video clip might show the Jeep’s license plate or other identifying details.
The pickup’s driver managed to pull off the freeway and wait for law enforcement. Troopers later confirmed that one round struck the truck, leaving behind a bullet hole as the most visible evidence of the encounter.
How To Help Investigators
Detectives are asking anyone with tips or dash-cam footage that might show the Jeep or its plate to contact Detective Jacob Lilley at [email protected], according to local reporting that republishes Washington State Patrol materials. The patrol has also released photos of both the victim’s pickup and the suspect vehicle in an effort to jog drivers’ memories.
Why This Matters
This stretch of SR 509 has a troubling history. In 2019, a drive-by shooting near the same Cloverdale exit left a man dead and triggered a lengthy multi-agency investigation. Local public-safety officials say that finding witnesses and video quickly can be critical to preventing further violence and holding shooters accountable.
Anyone who thinks they may have relevant dash-cam footage or other information is urged to email [email protected]. Small details, such as a partial license plate, a bumper sticker, or the exact time the red Jeep passed by, could make a big difference for investigators trying to piece this case together.
