Police investigate apparent gang-related shooting in Spokane Valley

Police are investigating a Monday morning drive-by shooting in Spokane Valley that appears to be gang-related.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to the Valley Hospital emergency room Monday morning around 1:45 a.m. to talk to a 47-year-old man who said he was shot in the leg while walking near 600 North Vista Road, according to a news release.

The man said he was walking north on Dick Road when a man dressed in all red approached him and asked if he was affiliated with a gang. The victim said he wasn’t, but told deputies he believed he was targeted because of his blue clothing. He said the suspect hit him, knocking off his Mariners baseball hat, the release said.

The victim began walking away and said the suspect whistled as if he was calling other people, the victim told deputies. He said a vehicle pulled up to him and a passenger in the vehicle shot at him. He was hit in the leg and fell to the ground, the release said.

The victim was treated and released from the hospital.

The Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force is investigating the shooting. The group is an FBI-sponsored task force with members from local law enforcement agencies focusing on gangs and drug trafficking.

Anyone with information about the shooting should call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.