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[UPDATE] 8:00 p.m. June 15, 2021: Suspect identified as Joseph Forrest Sims

[UPDATE] 7:19 p.m. June 15, 2021: A 30-year-old-male suspect is currently being held Snohomish County Jail on multiple charges, including two counts of first-degree kidnapping and three counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

MUKILTEO, Wash., June 15, 2021 – Mukilteo Police Officers responded to multiple reports of gunfire at the 300-unit Elliot at Mukilteo Apartments this morning at 4:03 a.m. No injuries were reported from this incident.

Upon arrival, Mukilteo Police discovered bullet casings and gunshot damage to the rear of an apartment building.

Cam Johnson, Bothell Police PIO, confirmed with the Lynnwood Times that a 30-year-old male is in custody for first-degree kidnapping. The 32-year old female victim told investigators that a man she knew forced her at gunpoint into his car.   The incident originated as an abduction in Bothell but ended in gunfire at the Mukilteo apartment complex.

The adult female victim, who is a Bothell resident, was treated for cuts to her feet possibly related to broken glass but suffers no life-threatening injuries. She is co-operating with the law enforcement.

Bothell Police have confirmed that the suspect involved in the Mukilteo shooting and kidnapping incident will be booked into Snohomish County Jail today, but it is unknown if the case will be prosecuted in King or Snohomish County. The suspect is not a Bothell resident and is alleged to be the victim’s acquaintance.  Police want the public to know that this does not appear to be a stranger abduction. 

According to Bothell Police, multiple agencies have been conducting their own investigations related to this incident.

Many Elliot at Mukilteo Apartment residents took to social media with one writing, “It was right under my bedroom as if it was inside my apartment, it scared me to death. The police is talking to everyone in my building,” said F.G.

Residents told the Lynnwood Times that they awoke to “loud bangs.” They describe The Elliot as a safe, peaceful and great place to live. No one at complex was injured in the incident.

Mukilteo Police confirmed that there is no further threat to the community and Bothell police confirmed with the Lynnwood Times that the individual in custody is the sole suspect.

Although this incident involves a kidnapping, this is the second apartment shooting in Mukilteo in as many years. The most recent being in January of 2019 at the Hamptons Apartment in the Harbour Pointe neighborhood.

To view a copy of the Mukilteo press release related to this incident click here. To view a copy of the Bothell press release related to this incident click here.

Author: Lynnwood Times Staff