Shots Fired in Mount Vernon – Suspects Detained

MOUNT VERNON, WA – Gunshots were reported this afternoon outside a restaurant in the 2200 block of Freeway Drive in Mount Vernon.

According to the Mount Vernon Police Department, officers responded to the scene around 5 p.m.

Witnesses told police that two groups were involved, one inside and one outside the restaurant. They said a confrontation between the groups occurred in the parking lot, during which at least one gun shot was fired. Both groups then drove away from the scene.

During their investigation, police were contacted by a neighboring business reporting that some suspicious individuals had entered their building. Officers subsequently contacted and questioned two 21-year-old men who are suspected to have been involved in the incident at the nearby restaurant. The two men were detained by police for further investigation.

No injuries were reported, but officers did find broken glass on the ground where the alleged confrontation occurred.

12/17/15 Update: 

Both were 21 years of age from the Bellingham/Whatcom County area.  Detectives found both were wanted by Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office in connection with a robbery investigation and were turned over to deputies last night. This was a misunderstanding and the male identified near Lowes was the second of two males detained.

 Witnesses described one of the vehicles involved as a smaller, white passenger car.  The other vehicle involved was a passenger car and described as a dark color.  The confrontation happened in the parking lot in proximity of these two vehicles.

 Police Volunteers were working with detectives to canvas the area for any additional evidence.  Investigators are also reviewing security video footage from the area businesses to see if any images captured what occurred.  Investigators are still looking for both vehicles and the victims in this crime.

Anyone with information is encouraged to call the Mount Vernon Police Department at (360) 428-3211, or at (360) 336-6271 Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.