Shooting Leaves One Dead Gunfire Erupts On North Monroe After Four Exchange Words
A busy north Spokane intersection erupted in gunfire Saturday afternoon, leaving one man dead and another wounded.
The shots rang out after three men exchanged words on the sidewalk with a young man near the corner of Monroe and York, police said.
The first victim, already dead when officers arrived minutes later, fell against the doors of Buyer’s Market Furniture on Monroe.
The other man was shot as he tried to escape the gunman by running across the street. Police found him lying in the middle of York Avenue, about 30 feet east of the intersection.
He remained hospitalized late Saturday, but police said his injuries aren’t life-threatening.
Witnesses said the young man fled on foot.
“Lots of things happen here, but not this,” said Mike Birge, a mechanic at Martin’s Auto Service, located kitty corner from the furniture store.
Birge was in his office shortly after 1 p.m., when he heard “six or seven” gunshots.
When he saw the victim lying across the street, he said he called 911.
“I just couldn’t believe that it was all happening in front of my very eyes,” Birge said.
“It’s a waste,” he added, shaking his head. “It’s such a waste.”
Police said they have no suspects. Officers closed off a two-block stretch of Monroe for several hours following the shooting in order to gather evidence. The identities of the victim were withheld.
Police Capt. Charles Brown said the third man in the group wasn’t injured. He stayed at the scene and was questioned by detectives.
Joseph and Anthony Lucas were playing in their back yard when they heard gunshots and tires screeching.
The boys ran inside and called their father. When the three came out, they saw the wounded man in front of their house.
Nine-year-old Anthony Lucas said he saw a man wearing a brown jacket running down the street with a gun.
“I was scared to see the body,” he said.
, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: SHOOTING Police say they have no suspects in the shooting.