URGENT UPDATE: A man has been arrested following a terrifying shooting incident at a Lacey hotel that left one person critically injured. The suspect, identified as Andrew Devon Shelton, 31, from Olympia, was taken into custody on February 15, 2023, after allegedly firing at three individuals at the Super 8 hotel on College Street Southeast.
The shooting occurred on Saturday, February 14, around 9:17 p.m., when police responded to reports of gunfire. Officers found a 54-year-old man suffering from severe gunshot wounds to his back, losing consciousness. He was transported to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition, having suffered substantial injuries including the loss of a spleen and extensive blood loss.
According to the Lacey Police Department, the incident stemmed from a dispute among acquaintances at the hotel. Shelton allegedly fired multiple rounds at the victim, his stepson, and the stepson’s girlfriend. The victim had rented a room for his stepson and girlfriend for a few days, with the girlfriend reportedly meeting Shelton through an online dating app.
Witnesses reported that after an altercation, Shelton locked himself in the room with the girlfriend, demanded her belongings, and threatened her life. Surveillance footage captured Shelton arriving at the hotel in a gray pickup at approximately 8:24 p.m. and fleeing the scene shortly after the shooting, without his shoes and some clothing.
The police investigation revealed that as the victim exited the hotel to pick up his stepson and girlfriend, he was shot in an ambush-style attack. Surveillance video confirmed Shelton shooting across the parking lot, causing panic among witnesses who sought cover. Officers found spent shell casings at the scene, confirming the use of a 9mm firearm.
The victim’s stepson and girlfriend initially claimed ignorance about the shooting, raising suspicion among authorities. However, further investigation, including video footage, led to the identification of Shelton as the shooter. He was arrested without incident after police located his vehicle and home, where they discovered the firearm and clothing worn during the shooting.
Bail for Shelton has been set at $200,000, with charges pending for first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful imprisonment. The Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office has until the end of the week to file official charges.
As this story develops, the community remains on edge, and the police commend the swift action taken to apprehend the suspect. “Great work to everyone who worked this case for getting the suspect in custody quickly!” the Lacey Police Department stated.
Stay tuned for updates on this ongoing investigation and the condition of the victim.
