A 2-year-old boy was critically injured in a shooting that occurred on May 3, 2025, near Forest Service Road 23 in Washington’s Olympic National Forest. Authorities believe the incident escalated after a confrontation between two groups, which eventually led to gunfire as a family drove away from the scene.
The Incident and Shooting
The shooting unfolded early on May 3, when a father called 911 to report that his vehicle had been shot and his young son had been struck by a bullet. The family was on their way to the hospital when deputies met them at Mason General Hospital, where it was confirmed that the child had been shot in the head.
The family had been traveling to visit a site where a loved one’s ashes were spread when they encountered another group. A confrontation broke out between the two parties, with the child’s father telling deputies that during the altercation, a man held him down by the throat in a creek. The incident escalated when the two groups separated, and the family got into their Jeep to leave.
As the family drove away, a man in a separate vehicle allegedly pulled alongside their Jeep and fired multiple shots. The 2-year-old boy was struck by one of the bullets in the head. The family continued driving toward the hospital, and 911 operators were told by the father that he had been “beat up” and that his son had been shot.
Investigation and Arrest
The shooting took place around 3:30 a.m., and the family’s Jeep was located near Spider Lake, about 30 miles northwest of Shelton. Investigators quickly identified people believed to be involved in the shooting and detained a suspect.
The man was booked on suspicion of first-degree assault, though authorities later clarified that the suspected shooter was not the same person involved in the earlier physical confrontation.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he fired his weapon because the family’s Jeep revved its engine and drove toward his mother. After reviewing the details, authorities said there were no ongoing community safety concerns as the investigation continued.
The Child’s Condition and Medical Treatment
The 2-year-old boy was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for further treatment. A spokesperson for UW Medicine confirmed that the child was in critical condition in the intensive care unit following the shooting.
Legal Proceedings
The suspect appeared in court on Monday, May 5, where prosecutors requested bail be set at $100,000. However, the judge released the suspect on personal recognizance. The legal process will continue as investigators look into the events surrounding the shooting.
Community Reactions
The shooting has left the community shocked, particularly as the victim was a young child who was caught in the crossfire of a violent confrontation. The family’s distress over the incident, along with the devastating consequences of the altercation, has raised concerns about public safety and the need for intervention in such disputes.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the motives behind the shooting and the details of the confrontation that led to such tragic consequences.
