Mukilteo Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

A homeless man living out of his vehicle was shot during an apparent robbery attempt in the parking lot of the Extended Stay America Suites.

The victim told Mukilteo Police he was asleep in his vehicle in the Extended Stay parking lot, at 3917 Harbour Pointe Road, around 2 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, when he was woken by someone entering the vehicle, reportedly with the intention of stealing it.

An altercation took place outside the vehicle, and the victim was shot twice in the leg, Mukilteo Special Operations Sergeant Andy Illyn said.

The victim, in his early 30s, told police two suspects were involved.

911 dispatch received multiple reports from hotel guests saying they heard gunshots and screaming.

When Mukilteo Police and Snohomish County Sheriff officers arrived, they initially only found a couple of rifle shell casings on the ground and no victim.

“Later, officers were notified there was a victim at Swedish Mill Creek with gunshot wounds,” Illyn said.

A guest from the hotel drove the victim to Swedish Mill Creek. The victim later was transferred to Swedish Edmonds, and a Mukilteo detective talked with him there about the shooting. The victim was in the hospital for three days before being released.

Illyn said the victim provided some descriptive information about the suspects, and is scheduled to come in for a follow-up interview this week.

Based on his experience, Illyn said the shooting likely was accidental, and the suspect probably intended to either startle or scare the victim.

“Obviously, it’s always slightly concerning. What we recommend is that if you see anything suspicious call 911,” Illyn said.

“We’ve increased our proactive patrols in this particular area.”

Police said they are also working with hotel management on enhancing crime prevention measures in the area.

Those with any information on the incident can call the Mukilteo Police (non-emergency number, 425-407-3999) or email [email protected].