A gunman is still on the run in Edmonds, WA and police are seeking the community’s help. A thirty-one-year-old man from Sea-Tac was shot and killed overnight after what may have been a chance encounter with the suspect. That suspect is still on the loose, and Edmonds Police are asking anyone with information about this incident to come forward.
The initial call came in just after 10:15 PM Wednesday when multiple callers reported the driver of a vehicle had been shot and the suspect had fled on foot at the intersection of 236th Street SW and Edmonds Way (SR104). When officers arrived, they found the victim in critical condition from multiple gunshot wounds. He was transported by aid to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, where he later succumbed to his injuries. “This type of incident shakes a community, and it is difficult for all of us to fathom. We are aggressively pursuing the person responsible for this senseless killing, and we will work tirelessly to get them off the streets to face justice. We know someone knows the suspect or knows something about this incident. To that person; please do the right thing and contact us,” said Edmonds Police Chief Michelle Bennett.
Investigators have determined that the suspect was crossing Edmonds Way, and the victim was turning left towards the suspect. There was no obvious altercation before the suspect opened fire, mortally wounding the victim. Several witnesses told investigators that the suspect was on foot and fired multiple times at a vehicle before fleeing eastbound on 236th. Multiple Snohomish County police agencies, as well as Shoreline Police, assisted with the search for the suspect. K9 units and drones were used to aid the search, but the suspect was not located. The suspect is described as a White or Hispanic male in his teens to early twenties with curly, dark hair. He was last seen wearing a hoody and all-black clothing. He should be considered armed and dangerous. “I want to extend my condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones. Our police department is actively continuing their investigation to locate and arrest the suspect. If anyone has information to share about the incident, please contact the Edmonds Police Department,” said Edmonds Mayor Mike Rosen.
Update from Edmonds Police Department from 1/9/2024. The current evidence and eyewitness accounts support that this was a chance encounter between the suspect and Mr. Shariff and was not related to his employment as a ride-share driver or any previous relationships. In the brief moments when the two crossed paths, there was no apparent altercation before the suspect opened fire. The customer who previously used Mr. Shariffs ride share service has been located and interviewed by the Edmonds Police Department. Witnesses report a red sedan, possibly a Honda, was seen in the immediate area moments after the shooting. Detectives are considering any occupants of that vehicle as witnesses and are asking them to come forward.
This is an ongoing investigation, and this story will be updated as more information is made available. If you know where the suspect is, do not approach and call 911. Anyone with information about this incident or the suspect can contact your local police department or email [email protected].