SPOKANE, Wash. — Police are still investigating an incident in Comstock Park in which a 16-year-old boy was shot in the head and another teen was injured. No arrests have been made.
According to court documents, the shooting occurred on Oct. 26 at approximately 1:20 a.m. in Spokane’s South Hill. When police arrived at Comstock Park, they found a crashed car with a driver who had suffered a gunshot wound to the head. Nearby, south of the crash site, officers located another car with several juveniles attempting to load a 15-year-old boy into the back.
Police said the 16-year-old driver was critically injured and transported to a hospital, where he has not regained consciousness. The 15-year-old, who was being loaded into the car, had suffered a gunshot wound to the hip. Police said the injury was non-life-threatening, and the teen received medical treatment. Officers also found evidence that a car had been struck multiple times by gunfire.
A bloodied ski mask was found at the scene, leading police to believe it belonged to the 16-year-old. The juveniles who were attempting to load the injured boy into the car told police they were not involved in the shooting and had come to help their friend.
Court documents indicate police believe the two teens were shot inside the crashed Jeep. They also suspect that a third individual, either a boy or man, ran from the car and fled the scene by jumping fences.
Police recovered two pistols, one of which had its serial number scratched off, along with the ski mask and evidence of bullet holes in the car. Investigators believe the shooter was pursuing the vehicle as it tried to drive away. A second ski mask was found behind a house near the crash site, leading authorities to further suspect the presence of a third person. Police also discovered discarded clothing and alcohol containers in the area, a known spot for underage drinking and parties, according to court documents.
No one has come forward to report the shooting, and those involved have claimed they acted in self-defense. Police are investigating the case as a first-degree assault, possibly related to an attempted robbery. Investigators also suspect the teens were engaged in illegal activities that may have led to the shooting.
