An argument over a clogged toilet escalated into a shooting Saturday morning, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies were called to Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia about 5 a.m. by a man in his mid- to late 20s who had been shot in the chest. His injuries are not life-threatening.
The argument began in the 9700 block of Mallard Drive Southeast, just east of Lacey, said Lt. Chris Mealy. The victim rents a room from the man who allegedly shot him, Mealy said.
The two men reportedly went out Friday night and met two women they later brought home.
“They drank quite a bit,” Mealy said.
One of the women used the bathroom and plugged the toilet, angering the owner of the home, Mealy said. The two men argued and the women left.
The argument escalated to physical fighting, Mealy said.
“Apparently, the victim was getting the better of the suspect,” he said. “The suspect and victim broke free, then the suspect pulled a handgun from his waistband and fired shots at the victim.”
Also according to Mealy:
One of the gunshots struck the man in the middle of his chest as he tried to get away. The injured man was able to lock himself in a bedroom, then leave the house. He was picked up by a friend who took him to the emergency room.
The homeowner also is at the hospital, being treated for facial lacerations he suffered in the fight.
No arrests were made initially, but Mealy said the homeowner likely would be booked into the Thurston County Jail on suspicion of assault later Saturday.
Chelsea Krotzer: 360-754-5476
ckrotzer@theolympian.com
theolympian.com/thisjustin
@chelseakrotzer
JOIN THE DISCUSSION | Register here
We welcome comments. Please keep them civil, short and to the point. ALL CAPS, spam, obscene, profane, abusive and off topic comments will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked. Thanks for taking part — and abiding by these simple rules. A thorough explanation of rules of conduct can be found in our Terms of Service. If you have any questions, including why your comment may not be showing immediately after you submit it, be sure to visit the commenting FAQ.