SEATTLE — A gunman killed four people in Seattle on Wednesday — three at a cafe and another in a carjacking — before he apparently shot himself as officers closed in following a citywide manhunt, authorities said.
He was listed in critical condition at a local hospital.
Police searching for the suspect in the first shooting near the University of Washington also responded to the second fatal incident near the city’s downtown. They say a man killed a woman in an apparent carjacking and fled in a black SUV. Authorities said late Wednesday they believe one man was responsible for both attacks.
“At this time, we feel pretty confident that we have the suspect,” said Assistant Seattle Police Chief Nick Metz.
The suspect was identified by law enforcement sources as Ian Lee Stawicki, 40, of Seattle, The Seattle Times reported.
His brother, Andrew Stawicki, 29, of Ellensburg, said that when he saw a photo on the news of the gunman inside Cafe Racer, he recognized the man as his brother. Andrew Stawicki said his brother was mentally ill.
“It’s no surprise to me this happened. We could see this coming. Nothing good is going to come with that much anger inside of you,” Andrew Stawicki said.
The latest spasm of deadly gun violence to hit the city worried Seattle’s leaders and prompted police to consider increasing patrols in high-crime areas. The four deaths bring the number of homicides so far this year to 20, compared with 21 all of last year.
