Clinton, WA – A domestic dispute call on Whidbey Island escalated into a multi-county police incident Thursday night, involving gunfire at officers, an alleged kidnapping, and an officer-involved shooting early Friday morning.
According to the Skagit-Island Multiple Agency Response Team, the incident began shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday in the 3800 block of French Road in Clinton, where Island County deputies responded to reports of an argument between a man and a woman. The suspect was reported to possibly be armed.
When officers approached, the suspect allegedly pointed a gun and fired at law enforcement. One officer returned fire, but investigators say no one was struck during that exchange. The suspect fled into a wooded area and was not immediately located. He was later identified as a 38-year-old Oak Harbor man, according to authorities.
While the investigation was ongoing, Oak Harbor police received a report of a kidnapping around 7 p.m. in the 100 block of Southwest Lansdale Street. A 64-year-old Oak Harbor man told officers the same suspect allegedly entered a residence, pointed a gun at him, and demanded to be driven to Burlington. The victim reported dropping the suspect off at an unknown location and was unharmed. The incident was reported to police around 10:15 p.m.
Just after 12:15 a.m. Friday, Burlington police received an anonymous tip that the suspect was at a home in the 1200 block of Kendra Lane. Officers surveilled the area and, around 4:15 a.m., stopped a vehicle they believed the suspect was in.
Police say the suspect, who was a passenger, allegedly shot the driver during the traffic stop before stealing the vehicle and fleeing. The injured driver suffered a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was taken to Skagit Valley Hospital.
The pursuit continued into Snohomish County, where the suspect eventually stopped. That encounter ended in an officer-involved use-of-force, which is now under investigation by Snohomish County SMART.
Authorities say the investigation remains active.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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