Seattle Police Shoot Man During Domestic Violence Call in Ballard, One Officer Injured

Seattle, Feb. 12, 2026 — A police response to a domestic violence call in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood escalated into a shooting Thursday evening, leaving a man in critical condition and one officer injured.

The incident occurred around 5:40 p.m. near the intersection of Northwest 62nd Street and 28th Avenue Northwest. According to Seattle Police Chief Shon Barnes, officers were dispatched after a woman reported that someone was following her, prompting concerns for her safety.

Officers Exchange Gunfire

Authorities confirmed that three Seattle police officers exchanged gunfire with the man at the scene. Details surrounding what led to the exchange remain under investigation. When asked whether the man had pointed a weapon at officers or fired shots first, Chief Barnes declined to provide specifics, stating that the matter would be addressed through the official investigation.

The King County Independent Force Investigation Team has taken over the case, as required in officer-involved shooting incidents. The team will determine the sequence of events and whether department protocols were followed.

The injured man was transported to Harborview Medical Center, where hospital officials confirmed he was listed in critical condition Thursday night. His identity has not yet been released.

Officer Sustains Minor Injury

During the exchange, one officer suffered a graze wound to the leg. Chief Barnes said the officer was taken to a local hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery. No additional officers were injured.

Police quickly secured the area following the shooting. By approximately 7 p.m., authorities had cordoned off two blocks along 28th Avenue Northwest between Northwest 63rd Street and the Ballard Community Center. Officers remained at the scene interviewing witnesses and gathering evidence.

A mental health specialist from the department was also present to support officers involved in the incident, reflecting standard procedure following critical events.

Nearby School Placed on Lockdown

Adams Elementary School, located nearby, was temporarily placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. Although regular dismissal occurs around 2:30 p.m., some staff and individuals were still inside the building when the shooting happened.

Chief Barnes confirmed that no students, staff members, or community members at the school were injured during the incident.

The lockdown was lifted once authorities determined the immediate threat had subsided and the area was secure.

Body Camera Footage to Be Released

In line with department transparency policies, Chief Barnes stated that body-worn camera footage from the involved officers would be released within 72 hours. The release of the footage is expected to provide additional clarity regarding the circumstances that led to the shooting.

The King County Independent Force Investigation Team will conduct interviews, review video evidence, and analyze forensic findings before presenting conclusions.

Ongoing Investigation

Police have not released the identity of the man involved, pending notification of family members. It remains unclear whether he was armed at the time of the encounter.

Chief Barnes emphasized the seriousness of violence in community spaces, noting that such incidents impact neighborhoods regardless of location.

“No matter where we’re standing in this city — whether near a school, a home, or a business — violence against our community is never acceptable,” Barnes said during a media briefing.

Residents in the Ballard area reported seeing a large police presence and crime scene tape stretching across multiple blocks Thursday evening.

Authorities are urging anyone with additional information or video footage from the area to contact investigators.

Further updates are expected as the investigation continues.