Federal Way police are trying to determine what sparked a shootout at a bar where one man was killed and six others wounded early Wednesday.
Gunfire erupted outside Johnny’s Famous Grill & Bar, 2318 S.W. 336th St., about 2 a.m. as the bar was closing.
A 23-year-old Kent man identified as Cloise Young fell dead on the sidewalk. Police said he is believed to be one of the shooters.
The other, a 21-year-old Federal Way man, was injured in the shooting and drove himself and a friend to Valley Medical Center in Renton. He was booked at the King County Jail on suspicion of murder after being released from the hospital.
It was Federal Way’s first homicide this year.
Deputy Chief Andy Hwang said the motive for the shootout, including whether it is gang-related, is still under investigation. Witnesses said an argument between two groups leaving the bar preceded the gunfire.
Relatives said Young was the father of a 2-year-old daughter, was not in a gang and was at the bar for a birthday party.
“We lost a close family member and, at the end of the day, that’s all I’m worried about is that we lost somebody who was a good person, a huge heart and was just caring,” a cousin of Young told KIRO-TV.
Officers arrived to find Young dead and two women in the parking lot suffering from gunshot wounds.
Two other victims had already left to receive treatment at local hospitals.
Of the six wounded by bullets, two were admitted to hospitals. Hwang said a woman is most seriously injured, but all are expected to survive. All the victims are believed to be in their 20s and 30s and from the Kent area.
Three sought treatment at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle but only two were admitted, according to hospital spokeswoman Leila Gray. One was treated and released.
Friends and family members of Young stayed at the bar, which was cordoned off with yellow police tape, for several hours talking about the man who loved sports and his daughter.
According to Young’s Facebook page, he attended Lindbergh High School in Renton and graduated from a California community college in 2006.
He posted that he loved money, cars, clothes and jewelry and wanted to own his own business one day.
“Love my family Love the Lord and very blessed,” Young wrote on his profile.
Anyone who has information on the shooting is asked to call the Federal Way Police Department at 253-835-6780.
stacia.glenn@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8653
alexis.krell@thenewstribune.com
253-597-8268
blog.thenewstribune.com/crime
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