Innocent bystander, dozens of cars struck by stray bullets following altercation in Puyallup church parking lot

PUYALLUP, Wash. — A person was shot by stray gunfire after an altercation between people led to a shooting Saturday evening. Puyallup police said a dozen vehicles were hit by bullets as well.

The shooting took place in the 600 block of 9th Ave SW, according to Puyallup Police Department. Officials said an innocent woman was shot in a yard across the street. Police said she has non-life threatening injuries and was hit in the leg.

Authorities’ initial investigation showed that the shooting happened as a result of an altercation in a church parking lot.

KOMO has learned that those attending an event at the state fairgrounds, a few streets away, were leaving their cars at the church and walking over.

Robert Ryding’s car was hit by gunfire. Ryding said his friend invited him to the event at the fairgrounds.

"She invited me to this food tasting thing that they have here. First time I’d heard about it. I was going to sit in the car and wait for her, but she persisted on me going inside," said Ryding. "If I would’ve sat out here any longer, one of us would’ve probably got hit by one of those things (bullets).”

Ryding said, “one hit the fender. It looks like one went through the window and hit the front windshield and bounced into the dash, so it’s probably stuck in the dash. There was a piece on my center console, like a solid round, so I gave it to the officer.”

Rdying’s friend Ana Estrada said, “I’m just wondering if the people are going to deal with the consequences,” also adding that the car repairs will be expensive.

Police have not found any suspects, but since shell casings of multiple calibers were located, they believe several guns were used and numerous people were involved in shooting at each other.

They told KOMO they will be looking into surveillance videos to try and find the suspects.

Puyallup Police ask that you report any property damage from this crime to them and reach out to them if you have any extra information.