Man Shoots Another Man After Mistaking Him for a Deer

By Cricket_Police, Images and Sources from Radiant

A man was arrested after shooting what he thought was a deer, only to later find he had shot a person in a deer costume. The incident occurred near Snoqualmie Pass when two WSP officers were interviewing witnesses to a robbery. The suspect, failing in basic hunting safety, lifted a rifle, yelled "DEER!" and fired four to seven shots, striking the victim.

The responding emergency personnel quickly realized that the victim was not a deer but a person, and the victim was taken to the hospital. Initially arrested for reckless endangerment, the suspect now faces more serious charges, including attempted murder or first-degree murder, depending on the condition of the victim.

Many have questions as to why the King County Sheriff's Office would push for such extreme charges when others, such as manslaughter or assault with a weapon with bodily harm, might better fit better. KCSO's handling of the case has many worried, as the situation seems largely bereft of malicious intent.

The case also underscores those long-standing concerns over hunting safety. While regulations call for hunters to make their targets known, the suspect failed to do so, and the lack of visible safety gear worn by the victim furthered the situation. As the investigation continues, several questions remain about the decisions made by KCSO and the charges going forward.

Editor’s Note: MNST has reached out to KCSO, Charges stand, First Degree Murder and added Unlawful Discharge Of A Firearm. It has been explained that in the state of Washington "A First Degree Murder Charge can still be filed if there is a clear reckless e act threatening human life". We thank the KCSO for their help.

A copy of the arrest report from a anonymous source: