A 17-year-old Washington boy has been arrested in the fatal shooting of a 14-year-old boy in Tacoma.
The teen was arrested Monday on suspicion of first-degree murder and second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, according to the Tacoma Police Department.
The 14-year-old boy was on the way to buy candy or food at a nearby store when he was shot and killed off Portland Ave East. He was taken to the hospital where he later died from his injuries.
Witnesses said there were around five people near the bus stop at the time of the shooting, including other young people.
A person who works nearby, and who wanted to remain anonymous for safety reasons, said he heard five shots. He described them as sounding like rapid, semi-automatic gunfire. He joined a handful of people who had gathered around the teen, trying to help him. The man said that the 14-year-old appeared alert, but in shock. He said paramedics had to lean in so that they could hear him tell them his name. Later, the witness learned that the teen had passed away after being taken to the hospital.
Some witnesses reported that the gunman was shooting form a car, and it was difficult to tell if it was directed at a car or at the people at the bus stop.
“There are so many children around at that time of day. Middle schools are letting out. High schools are letting out. It’s a very active time,” said Ansingh.
Tacoma Public Schools issued a statement calling the loss devastating. It read, “Tacoma Public Schools is Focused on providing additional supports to our students and staff during this very difficult time. Our crisis teams are in schools today, talking to students and staff to help them deal with the tragic loss of their 14-year-old friend and student.”
“We offer our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones, as well as others grieving across our entire community. Although any loss of life is unacceptable, it is even more painful when we see a young life cut short,” said Tacoma Mayor Victoria Woodards.
Kenneth Bradley says his family is still trying to come to terms with the loss of 14-year-old Xaviar Siess. He described his stepson as a bright young man, who just wanted to help people.
“If you were going through something, he’d try to make you laugh or smile to make you forget about what you’re going through,” Bradley said. “He would give you the shirt off his back. If you had no place to go, he’d be right there with you. He was like that.”
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