Clark County sheriff’s deputies are searching for a suspect in a fatal shooting Monday afternoon that occurred in the parking lot of a Hazel Dell strip mall.
An 18-year-old man, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies and medics were dispatched about 2:30 p.m. to Pacific 63 Center, 6204 N.E. Highway 99, for multiple reports of a shooting. The shopping center is home to a number of businesses, including a chiropractic office, martial arts center, hair salon, dental office and Mexican food restaurant.
When first responders arrived, someone was performing CPR on the victim, and the suspect had already sped away from the scene, according to the sheriff’s office.
The victim was reportedly shot while sitting in a white Jeep in the parking lot of the strip mall. The Jeep was still running when first responders arrived on scene.
Investigators say they believe the victim and suspect knew each other and that the shooting may be connected to a drug deal gone bad.
Suspect unknown
The suspect is unknown at this time, according to the sheriff’s office. A description of the suspect and vehicle were unavailable, but the sheriff’s office said it doesn’t believe there’s any danger to the public.
The Clark County Major Crimes Unit is investigating. Anyone with information about the shooting should contact Detective Fred Neiman Jr. at Fred.NeimanJr@clark.wa.gov.
Reporter Jerzy Shedlock contributed to this report.
