Bellevue, WA — Bellevue Police are actively investigating a shooting that left a middle-aged man critically injured Monday afternoon in what authorities are describing as a targeted confrontation. The incident unfolded around 4:45 p.m. in the 400 block of 120th Avenue Northeast, near the parking lot of a local business complex.
Officers were dispatched to the scene following multiple reports of gunfire. Upon arrival, police located a white pickup truck riddled with bullet holes, and found the driver—a middle-aged man—suffering from life-threatening gunshot wounds. First responders immediately rendered aid before the victim was transported by medics to Harborview Medical Center, where he remains in critical condition.
Within minutes of arriving at the scene, officers apprehended a male suspect, also middle-aged, believed to have been involved in the shooting. The suspect was arrested without further incident, and a firearm was recovered nearby. Police confirmed that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Preliminary Investigation
According to Bellevue Police, initial findings suggest the shooting was the result of a personal or verbal altercation between the two men, which quickly escalated. The dispute is believed to have occurred just moments before the gunfire rang out, near or within the parking lot of a business along the busy commercial corridor.
While police have not released the identities of either the victim or the suspect, authorities say both individuals appear to have been known to one another, and there is no indication of random violence.
Crime scene investigators have been on site collecting evidence, speaking to witnesses, and reviewing nearby surveillance footage in hopes of piecing together a clearer timeline of events.
Community Response and Next Steps
As the investigation continues, Bellevue Police are urging any members of the public who may have witnessed the altercation or the moments leading up to the shooting to come forward. Investigators are particularly interested in dashcam footage from the area around 120th Ave NE at the time of the incident.
The Bellevue community, known for its relative safety and low crime rate, has been rattled by the broad daylight violence. Local businesses in the area briefly closed while officers secured the scene, and traffic in the vicinity was rerouted for several hours.
“This was a very active and dangerous situation that could have escalated further,” a police spokesperson said. “Thanks to the swift action of our officers, the suspect was taken into custody quickly, and no other individuals were harmed.”
The suspect is currently being held as detectives prepare formal charges. Police say more information will be released pending the outcome of interviews and forensic analysis.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Bellevue Police Department or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound.
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