SEATTLE, Wash. — A 62-year-old Kansas man is facing multiple felony charges after allegedly opening fire on police officers in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood Thursday evening, leaving one officer injured and prompting an independent investigation.
According to the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Christopher Michael Bowman has been charged with first- and second-degree assault. He remains hospitalized in critical condition after officers returned fire and shot him during the encounter on Feb. 12. A judge set his bail at $3 million.
911 Call From Ex-Wife Led to Police Response
The incident began around 6 p.m. when Bowman’s 18-year-old ex-wife called 911, reporting that he was following her and possibly armed. Charging documents state the woman told dispatchers she feared for her safety as she walked through the Ballard area.
She reportedly entered a QFC grocery store to seek safety but was unsure whether Bowman followed her inside. Officers from the Seattle Police Department responded to the area near 28th Avenue Northwest and Northwest 62nd Street to locate the suspect.
Gunfire Erupts on Ballard Street
When officers encountered Bowman on the street, a witness told investigators that an officer instructed him to remove his hands from his pockets. Court documents allege Bowman then pulled out a pistol, aimed it at the officers, and began firing.
Police returned gunfire, striking Bowman. During the exchange, one officer suffered a graze wound to the leg. Authorities said the injury was not life-threatening.
Emergency responders transported Bowman to a nearby hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Investigation Underway by Independent Team
The case is now being reviewed by the King County Independent Force Investigation Team, which handles investigations involving police use of deadly force. The team will examine the circumstances surrounding the shooting, including body camera footage, witness accounts, and forensic evidence.
Officials have not released additional details about the officers involved.
Bullet Strikes Nearby Elementary School
The shooting occurred near Adams Elementary School. In a message sent to families, Principal Douglas Sohn confirmed that a teachers’ lounge window was struck by a bullet during the incident.
“No one inside the building was injured, and there is no indication that any students, staff, or families were directly involved or harmed,” Sohn stated in the email.
Classes were not directly disrupted, but school administrators reassured parents that safety protocols were followed.
Suspect’s Criminal History
Prosecutors say Bowman has an extensive criminal record from outside Washington state, including felony convictions for rape, attempted aggravated robbery, and kidnapping. Authorities noted that his past offenses factored into the seriousness of the charges filed in this case.
As the investigation continues, officials are urging anyone who witnessed the incident to cooperate with investigators. Additional updates are expected once the independent review is complete.
