The shooter was arrested after a standoff lasting just over two hours
VANCOUVER — A heavy police presence swarmed downtown Vancouver on Thursday afternoon following reports of an active shooter inside Smith Tower at 515 Washington Street.
The first calls came in to dispatchers shortly after 2 p.m. First responders reported at least three victims in the lobby of the building. PeaceHealth Southwest Medical Center officials confirm two patients were transported there, both in “satisfactory” condition. Numerous sources told Clark County Today one person died at the scene.
The suspect was arrested after just over two hours. He was identified as an 80-year old resident of the building. Sources indicated the shooting took place in the lobby of the facility. No motive was immediately disclosed.
Police closed off several streets south of the Smith Tower during the standoff over concern the suspect could open fire from his apartment.
City Hall was put in lockdown during the shooting, and people evacuated from the building were taken there for shelter during the standoff.
Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle released a statement Thursday afternoon.
“While we are still learning about what happened surrounding the shooting incident this afternoon in downtown Vancouver, our hearts go out to the victims and their families as they deal with this tragedy,” she wrote. “I commend our police officers, fire and EMS personnel who quickly responded to the scene. I have the utmost confidence in our officers as they work to resolve the situation.”
Vancouver Police and Fire helped evacuate a number of people from the building and C-TRAN provided buses to help move them away from the scene. The agency also tweeted that The Vine and Route 71 were on detour, and Turtle Place station was closed due to the police activity.
Smith Tower is a 62-and-over senior living facility with 170 units. It’s owned by Mid-Columbia Manor, Inc. a non-profit corporation run by local labor unions.
