MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA — In the early hours of Thursday, January 9, 2025, a vehicle theft suspect was shot by a relative of the truck owner during an attempted theft in the 23000 block of Lakeview Drive.

According to MLTNews, the incident occurred around 4:30 a.m. when the suspect was in the process of stealing a truck. The suspect was confronted by the truck owner’s relative, at which point the suspect brandished a pistol. In response, the relative, who was also armed, fired at the suspect.

Despite being shot, the suspect managed to flee the scene in the stolen truck. Shortly thereafter, authorities received a report of an individual with gunshot wounds at Swedish Edmonds Hospital. Investigators confirmed that this individual was the same person who had stolen the truck.

The suspect is currently receiving medical treatment and is reported to be in stable condition. Police stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public, and all individuals involved have been accounted for. Detectives are actively investigating the case.

We often talk about people confronting suspects in the act of stealing their vehicles. This is always an extremely dangerous situation because you never know if the suspect is armed or if they have accomplices nearby who may also be armed. While it’s understandable to want to protect your property, confronting a thief can put your life at serious risk. In this instance, the suspect was armed, and the situation could have easily ended with the truck owner’s relative being shot. Personally, I’m not willing to risk my life over a vehicle that can be replaced, especially if it’s likely covered by insurance.