The Aberdeen Police Department says that at approximately 1:30 a.m. this morning, Aberdeen officers responded to a report of a subject walking through the neighborhood and firing a gun in the area of the 700 block of E. 1st Street. Witnesses reported hearing two shots, which were also confirmed by Aberdeen officers who were on an unrelated call in downtown Aberdeen.

Officers, with assistance from the Hoquiam Police Department, Grays Harbor County Sheriffs Office and Washington State Patrol, quickly responded to the area. While searching on foot, an Aberdeen officer located the suspect, who fled on foot. The officer lost sight of the suspect but recognized him from previous encounters and knew he lived nearby. The suspect, a 16-year-old male, had prior law enforcement contacts.

As officers established a perimeter around the suspect’s residence and spoke with his parents, the suspect exited the back of the house holding a bottle of alcohol and still in possession of a firearm - a Smith & Wesson .45 caliber pistol. Officers safely took the juvenile into custody using less-lethal force.

The juvenile was transported to the Aberdeen Police Department and faces multiple charges, including:

 Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

 Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm

 Minor in Possession/Consumption of Alcohol

 Violating the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (VUCSA)

 Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer

 Resisting Arrest

During the investigation, one spent bullet casing was recovered. The investigation is ongoing.