Two men were arrested after allegedly shooting at Vancouver police early Thursday morning, prompting a SWAT team callout and delaying the start of the school day at Washington Elementary School.
No injuries were reported.
A resident in the area of East 29th and R streets called police at about 2:15 a.m. after hearing gunshots fired in the area, Vancouver Police Department spokeswoman Kim Kapp said.
As police officers were responding, more 911 calls came in from residents reporting hearing gunshots, Lt. Steve Neal said. Officers arrived to find two men near the school, one of whom turned and fired in the direction of the officers, Neal said. The officers quickly took cover.
“The belief is that they were being fired at,” Kapp said, adding that they heard the bullets hitting things nearby their marked patrol car.
“They did the prudent thing and took cover behind their vehicle,” Neal said. Neither officer was hit nor did they return fire.
The suspects fled the area, but witnesses saw one of the men run to a residence at 1715 E. 29th St., and the witness notified police. The SWAT team responded and surrounded the house, leading to a standoff that lasted two to three hours before the man surrendered without incident.
The other man was arrested outside the home when he approached an officer who had set up the perimeter around the house, Neal said.
Both men were arrested on suspicion of first-degree assault. Their names were not released.
Detectives collected evidence on the school’s property, causing the school to delay starting until 10:30 a.m., Neal said. Police remained on scene, so children had recess indoors on Thursday, said Pat Nuzzo of Vancouver Public Schools.
Neal said that observant residents in the area were a big reason that the incident was resolved as quickly as it was. He said that he was thankful no one was hurt.
“It’s a reminder to the officers out there to keep your head on a swivel and always be aware,” Neal said.
Susan Parrish of The Columbian contributed to this report.
