Man accused of firing shots that wounded neighbor in east Vancouver

A man was arrested on domestic violence allegations after reportedly firing shots that wounded a neighbor during a disturbance Wednesday night at an east Vancouver apartment complex.

Vancouver police responded at 7:38 p.m. to the Autumn Chase Apartments, 11301 N.E. Seventh St., for reports of a domestic violence assault. As officers were responding, a man, later identified as Vinnie Steele, fired shots, according to Vancouver police Lt. Kathy McNicholas.

A neighbor was struck by a bullet on the left side of her buttocks, but it only caused bruising, McNicholas said. The neighbor was evacuated from her apartment and received medical treatment on scene.

Southwest Washington Regional SWAT and crisis negotiators also responded and talked with the woman inside the apartment with Steele. She eventually came outside at about 9:15 p.m., and she said she was not injured, according to McNicholas.

After talking to negotiators, Steele came outside about 20 minutes later. Investigators later served a search warrant on the apartment and found multiple firearms inside, McNicholas said.

Steele, 34, was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, second-degree domestic violence assault and domestic violence unlawful imprisonment. He was scheduled to appear on the allegations Thursday in Clark County Superior Court.

Vancouver police are continuing to investigate.