Suspects set car on fire after drive-by shooting

According to police, one of the shooting victims remains in critical condition at Harborview.

Two men were injured, one critically, in a drive-by shooting in Renton on Jan. 16 and police say the shooting suspects set the involved vehicle on fire then next day.

Renton Police officers responded to a report of two adult males who fled to a nearby business after being shot in the 1200 Block of Union Avenue NE around 9:54 p.m. on Monday night.

According to police, one victim sustained minor injuries to his arm, while the other suffered gunshot wounds to his lower extremities and remains in critical condition at Harborview Medical Center.

Both victims said they do not know who shot them or why. They told police hat a mid-size, light-colored SUV pulled up to them as they were hanging out in the area. Police have since stated that the suspect vehicle appears similar to a 2017-2021 Kia Sportage, possibly white or silver.

According to witness reports, the male passenger rolled down the window, said something to them briefly and then immediately fired at both victims as the vehicle drove away.

On Tuesday around 7:25 p.m., officers were dispatched to a report of a suspicious car fire at the Highlands Community Church (3031 NE 10th St.). When officers and fire crews arrived, they found an unoccupied white 2021 Kia Sportage on fire in the parking lot. The vehicle had been reported stolen from a Renton resident within the last 24 hours, according to police.

On Jan. 19, police said detectives have discovered that the Kia Sportage was coincidentally dropped off at Highlands Community Church around 9:53 p.m. on Jan. 16, abut 20 minutes after the drive-by shooting. Surveillance footage shows subjects returned to the vehicle in the church parking lot the following night on Jan. 17 and set it on fire.

Detectives are continuing to investigating. Anyone who recognizes the pictured suspect vehicle, or who may have any information regarding this incident should contact Detective Edwards at cedwards@rentonwa.gov.