Gunfire Erupts in Seattle Liquor Store, Half-Naked Man Arrested

Seattle police recover gun after suspect opens fire, narrowly missing clerk

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Seattle police arrested a 49-year-old man after he allegedly opened fire inside a liquor store on Rainier Avenue S. on Monday. The suspect, who was described as 'half-naked', reportedly removed his shirt, shoes, and pants before pulling out a gun and firing at the store clerk, narrowly missing him. No injuries were reported, and officers recovered the gun, as well as marijuana and a modified cigarette believed to be stuffed with PCP, from the suspect.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing challenges of public safety and mental health issues in Seattle, where gun violence and erratic behavior in public spaces have been an increasing concern for residents and businesses. The fact that the suspect was allegedly under the influence of drugs and acting in an unstable manner raises questions about the need for better mental health resources and crisis intervention in the city.

The details

According to the police report, the suspect entered the liquor store on Rainier Avenue S. and began opening and drinking liquor without paying. When the store clerk confronted him, the suspect removed his shirt, shoes, and pants, and then pulled out a gun and fired at the clerk, narrowly missing him. The clerk fled the store and called 911, and officers arrived to find the suspect still inside the store. In addition to the gun, police recovered marijuana and a modified cigarette believed to be stuffed with PCP from the suspect.

  • The incident occurred around 5 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.

The players

Seattle Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and arrested the suspect.

Liquor store clerk

The employee of the liquor store who confronted the suspect and narrowly avoided being shot.

49-year-old suspect

The man who was arrested on suspicion of felony assault after allegedly opening fire inside the liquor store.

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What they’re saying

“'When the store clerk confronted him, the suspect pulled out a gun and fired it at the clerk, narrowly missing him.'”

— Seattle Police Department (Seattle Police Blotter)

What’s next

The 49-year-old suspect was booked into jail on suspicion of felony assault, and the case is currently under investigation by the Seattle Police Department.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the ongoing challenges of public safety and mental health issues in Seattle, where erratic behavior and gun violence in public spaces have been a growing concern. It highlights the need for better crisis intervention and support services to address the underlying causes of such incidents and prevent them from occurring in the future.