Crime & Safety
Island County, WA Stabbing: 15-Year-Old Airlifted to Hospital
Freeland, WA – A 15 year old boy was airlifted to a Seattle hospital early Saturday after being stabbed multiple times during a fight involving several teenagers at a residence in Island County, accor
By Marcus Hale · 2026-10-17T21:38:30.395Z
Freeland, WA – A 15 year old boy was airlifted to a Seattle hospital early Saturday after being stabbed multiple times during a fight involving several teenagers at a residence in Island County, according to the Sheriff's Office .
According to the Island County Sheriff's Office, deputies responded around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 17, to a home on Fish Road in Freeland following reports of a stabbing.
Emergency responders treated the injured teenager at the scene before arranging an airlift to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.
Authorities reported that the victim was in stable condition.
Fight Among Teenagers Escalates Into Stabbing Investigators said the incident began as a physical confrontation involving the 15 year old victim and several other juveniles between the ages of 15 and 17.
During the altercation, 18 year old Vladek Salazar Leyva allegedly stabbed the victim at least twice, causing injuries to his chest and back.
Deputies said Salazar Leyva and several juveniles fled the residence before law enforcement arrived.
Suspect Arrested in Oak Harbor A short time after the stabbing, deputies located Salazar Leyva at his residence in the Oak Harbor area.
He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Island County Jail on a first degree assault charge.
Authorities have not released additional details about what triggered the confrontation or whether other individuals could face charges.
Investigation Remains Active The Island County Sheriff's Office continues investigating the circumstances surrounding the stabbing.
Anyone with information about the incident or individuals involved is asked to contact Detective Davison through the ICOM dispatch center at 360 679 9567 .
Tips can also be emailed to tips@islandcountywa.gov .
Investigators said additional updates will be provided as information becomes available.
Salazar Leyva is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.