Developing: Three Injured in Possible Shooting on West Side Highway in Kelso
KELSO, Wash. — May 9, 2025 — A developing situation unfolded Friday afternoon in Kelso, Washington, where a reported shooting on the 1800 block of West Side Highway has left three people injured and prompted a significant emergency response, including a temporary highway shutdown and an airlift evacuation.
Timeline of Events:
At approximately 3:39 p.m., emergency dispatchers received initial reports of a possible shooting incident in the 1800 block of West Side Highway, a mixed residential and commercial stretch just outside the central part of the city. Preliminary reports indicated three individuals may have been injured in the incident.
Just minutes later, at 3:42 p.m., law enforcement shut down the West Side Highway in both directions to allow emergency personnel to respond safely and secure the area. Traffic in the area was heavily impacted, and residents were advised to avoid the vicinity.
By 3:47 p.m., the situation escalated with the request for Life Flight emergency air transport, with a landing zone established at River Side Park, just east of the scene. The park was cleared to accommodate the helicopter’s arrival.
At 3:51 p.m., Kelso authorities confirmed that three individuals had sustained gunshot wounds. Two victims were transported by ambulance to a local hospital, while the third—believed to be in more critical condition—was transported by Life Flight to a regional trauma center. The identities of the victims and their current conditions have not yet been released.
As of 4:30 p.m., the Kelso Police Department reported they are in contact with a subject of interest connected to the incident. Authorities confirmed that there is no active threat to the public, indicating that the situation has been contained and the suspect is not at large.
Investigation Ongoing
Law enforcement officers are currently on scene, collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working to determine the sequence of events that led to the shooting. Detectives from the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office and additional regional agencies are expected to assist in the investigation.
While specific details about the motive or relationship between the individuals involved have not been released, police are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that may be relevant to the investigation to contact the Kelso Police Department or Cowlitz County 911 Dispatch.
Residents in the area described hearing multiple loud bangs before sirens flooded the scene. Several people have taken to social media expressing concern and calling for answers as the community reels from another act of violence.
Community Impact
The incident has sparked alarm in the typically quiet Kelso community. Schools and businesses in the area were temporarily placed on alert while authorities worked to secure the scene. The shutdown of West Side Highway caused major delays during a busy afternoon commute, with law enforcement directing traffic to alternate routes.
Local officials have assured residents that they will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. Community members are encouraged to remain calm, avoid speculation, and allow investigators to do their work.
This is a developing story, and more details will be shared as they emerge.