In a shooting incident at the B&I Public Marketplace in Lakewood, WA, two individuals were injured on January 17, 2025, as an argument between two men escalated. The confrontation occurred around 5:20 p. m. , resulting in gunfire that left a man and a woman, an innocent bystander, with gunshot wounds to their legs. The injured were promptly transported to the hospital, and while their conditions are not life-threatening, the situation remains serious.

Sergeant Charles Porche of the Lakewood Police Department confirmed that the shooter fled the scene in a vehicle, prompting an active search for the suspect by local authorities. This incident not only underscores the dangers of gun violence but also raises questions about safety in public venues. The Lakewood community is left shaken as police work to locate the shooter and reassure the public. The incident follows a troubling trend of increasing gun-related incidents in shopping areas. As investigations continue, local officials are urged to address the underlying issues contributing to such violence.