SEATTLE, WA — A shooting at Lincoln Park is under investigation after an armed bystander intervened in a domestic assault, leaving one man critically injured.

At around 10:39 AM, Seattle police and fire department units responded to reports of a violent incident in the south end of the park’s main parking lot. They found a 27-year-old man with a gunshot wound to the hip. Preliminary information suggests that the wounded man had been assaulting a woman when a bystander stepped in to stop the attack.

According to a local news outlet, the bystander confronted the suspect and instructed him to cease the assault. The suspect then reportedly turned his aggression towards the bystander, leading the bystander to fire a shot in self-defense. The bystander, who was carrying a firearm legally, remained on the scene and cooperated with law enforcement. The injured suspect was transported to Harborview Medical Center in critical condition.

The woman involved in the incident, who is in her mid-30s, was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The Seattle Police Department confirmed that the shooter is the son of a Seattle Police lieutenant, although the lieutenant was not involved in the incident. No other suspects are being sought.

This event underscores the potential dangers of intervening in violent situations. While the bystander acted to protect another person, such actions carry significant risks and legal implications. It is crucial for individuals who witness crimes to assess the situation carefully. In circumstances where intervention is necessary, acting within the bounds of self-defense laws is paramount.