A late-morning walk along Vancouver's waterfront turned into a gunfire scare on July 7 when a dispute between a dog walker and a man reportedly urinating in public escalated near the 1400 block of SE Columbia Way. Vancouver police say the confrontation began as a verbal exchange, then intensified after one man left to get a relative. During a struggle over a handgun, two rounds were fired shortly after 9:41 a.m., though no one was hit, and a suspect was taken into custody as officers secured the scene. An investigation is now underway.
How Police Say It Started
According to Vancouver Police USA, the clash began when a man walking his dog confronted another man he saw urinating along the waterfront, which sparked a heated verbal dispute. Police say the man who had been confronted then left the area and came back with a relative, identified in the department's post as his uncle. Officers were dispatched to the 1400 block of SE Columbia Way shortly after 9:40 a.m.
Struggle Over Gun, Shots Fired
In the department's detailed Facebook post, investigators say the dog walker used pepper spray on the uncle, and the two men then struggled over a handgun. During that fight for control of the weapon, police report that two rounds were fired and narrowly missed the dog walker. No one was struck by the gunfire, and officers arriving on scene were able to bring the situation under control and take a suspect into custody.
Arrest and Possible Charges
Vancouver police say 31-year-old Simba Dattilio was arrested at the scene and booked into the Clark County Jail on two counts of first-degree assault, according to the department's post. Booking and custody information is listed on the county's online jail roster at the Clark County jail roster.
What Investigators Want From the Public
Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the confrontation or has video of the incident to contact Vancouver Police. The city's newsroom publishes contact information, a tip line and media releases for the department, which can be found on the City of Vancouver newsroom.
Legal Backdrop
Under Washington law, first-degree assault includes assault with a firearm or other deadly weapon and is charged under RCW 9A.36.011 as a Class A felony. At this stage, the allegations remain unproven, and Dattilio is presumed innocent unless and until he is found guilty in court.
Waterfront Tensions This Year
The Columbia Way waterfront has already drawn a heavy police presence this spring, including a May standoff that prompted a waterfront lockdown reported by local outlets. Investigators say they intend to pursue all available leads as they sort out exactly what unfolded on July 7.
