UPDATE, 11:10 P.M.: A hospital official said the lockdown ended at 10:05 p.m., when the patient was released.
UPDATE, 10:40 P.M.: Vancouver police responded Tuesday night to a shooting in central Vancouver and took a man into custody. Police had not identified the man as of The Columbian’s press time.
A shooting victim, also a man, was taken to Southwest Washington Medical Center. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.
Police responded around 7:15 p.m. to reports of shots fired in the 3700 block of East 18th St., police spokeswoman Kim Kapp said. Callers to 911 reported hearing several gun shots, Kapp said in a press release.
A suspect was initially described as a dark-skinned man, about 20 years old, about 5 foot 9 inches, with a heavy build and tattoos on both arms.
Police said detectives with the Safe Streets Task Force are investigating the incident as a gang-related shooting. They were interviewing witnesses Tuesday night. No arrests had been made as of late Tuesday, according to the press release.
An officer was heard over the emergency radio system saying three bullet casings were found in the area.
A neighbor told police he shot video on his cellphone of people running from the scene.
The hospital went into lockdown mode because the victim was believed to be a “security risk,” said Southwest Washington Medical Center spokesman Ken Cole. He said employees were required to show badges, and families and patients were screened before entering the medical center.
UPDATE: Vancouver police have taken a suspect into custody in connection with a shooting in central Vancouver.
A victim is being treated at Southwest Washington Medical Center. Spokesman Ken Cole said the hospital is in “lockdown mode” because of a patient who “represents a security risk.”
He said employees need to show badges and families and patients are being screened before they enter the hospital.
ORIGINAL STORY: Vancouver police now are at the scene of a reported shooting at 17th Street near Todd Road.
A suspect is apparently at large and is described as a dark-complected man, about 20 years old, about 5 foot 9 inches, with a heavy build and tattoos on both arms.
It was unclear if there is a victim or victims.
Police indicated this might be gang related.
An officer was heard over the emergency radio system to say three bullet casings were found in the area.
A neighbor told police he shot video on his cellphone of people running from the scene.
Police are searching the area.
More details to come.
