A 21-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of manslaughter Sunday evening following a fatal shooting inside a vehicle, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. near the 4200 block of Beach Drive E. Deputies responded to a report of a shooting involving three men traveling together in a car.
According to preliminary investigations, a verbal dispute broke out among the occupants, prompting the 21-year-old passenger to produce a firearm.
The suspect reportedly told investigators that he believed the weapon was completely unloaded because he had removed the magazine, seemingly unaware that a live round still remained in the chamber.
The victim was struck by a single bullet. The driver of the vehicle initially attempted to rush the victim to a nearby hospital before ultimately pulling over and dialing 911, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office.
Law enforcement officers intercepted the vehicle near the intersection of Onley Avenue E and E Washington Street.
Despite immediate life-saving efforts by responding medical personnel, the victim was pronounced deceased at 7:50 p.m.
The 21-year-old suspect was detained at the scene without further incident. He was subsequently booked into the Kitsap County Jail on suspicion of manslaughter.
Detectives have concluded their initial investigation of the scene.
The case has now been formally referred to the Kitsap County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for formal charging. Authorities have not yet released the identity of the victim, pending notification of next of kin.
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