Residents in a North Seattle neighborhood have installed large makeshift barricades across several residential streets following a series of late‑night gunfire incidents near Aurora Avenue. The barriers appeared on North 97th, 98th, and 102nd streets, where neighbors say repeated shootings have pushed the community to take temporary safety measures.
The structures—ranging from metal planter boxes to piles of dirt, gravel, and corrugated metal panels—were arranged to slow or restrict vehicle access into residential blocks. Reflective tape and other markers were added to increase visibility for drivers at night. Residents say the goal is to reduce cut‑through traffic during overnight disturbances linked to activity along the Aurora corridor.
Seattle police reported that officers responded early Saturday morning to gunfire near Aurora Avenue North and North 98th Street, where roughly 40 shell casings were recovered. Several buildings and vehicles were struck, though no injuries were reported. Surveillance footage captured sustained gunfire lasting several seconds.
In recent weeks, bullets have entered nearby homes, including one incident where rounds stopped near a six‑week‑old baby’s bassinet, according to families who spoke with local media. These incidents have intensified frustration among residents who say they have repeatedly asked for stronger safety measures.
City officials acknowledged the concerns, calling the situation deeply unsettling and confirming that additional late‑night emphasis patrols and the Gun Violence Reduction Unit are being deployed along Aurora Avenue. Some neighbors, however, worry that the improvised barriers could slow emergency response times, prompting ongoing discussions about long‑term solutions.
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Sources
- AOL
- KOMO News
- KING5
- MyNorthwest
- Yahoo News