URGENT UPDATE: A man has been arrested following a shocking shooting incident at the Super 8 Hotel in Lacey, Washington, where a dispute escalated into violence, critically injuring a 54-year-old man. The suspect, Andrew Devon Shelton, 31, was taken into custody on February 15, 2023, just hours after the shooting occurred.
At approximately 9:17 p.m. on February 14, officers from the Lacey Police Department responded to reports of gunfire at the hotel located in the 100 block of College Street Southeast. They discovered the victim suffering from multiple gunshot wounds and fading in and out of consciousness. Emergency responders transported him to a local hospital, where he remains in critical condition due to severe injuries.
According to court documents, the violent confrontation arose from a dispute between acquaintances at the hotel. Shelton allegedly fired several rounds at the victim, his stepson, and the stepson’s girlfriend after a series of troubling events unfolded that night. The victim had rented a room for his stepson and girlfriend when the girlfriend met Shelton, who she reportedly let into the hotel.
In a horrifying turn of events, Shelton allegedly threatened the girlfriend and attempted to rob her before fleeing the scene. Surveillance footage from the hotel shows him arriving in a gray pickup truck at around 8:24 p.m., before reappearing at the hotel shortly before the shooting. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as the victim was shot while attempting to help his stepson and girlfriend.
The police investigation revealed that Shelton fired at the victim from a distance, with one bullet striking the victim in the back. Additional evidence includes two spent 9mm shell casings found at the scene. Officials also confirmed that another bullet entered an occupied hotel room, narrowly missing its occupants.
After the shooting, Shelton was seen fleeing the area and was later apprehended during a traffic stop on February 15. Inside his vehicle, police discovered the cellphone he used to communicate with the girlfriend and clothing consistent with what he was seen wearing during the incident. A firearm matching the caliber of the bullets used in the shooting was also recovered from Shelton’s home.
As of now, Shelton faces severe charges including first-degree assault, reckless endangerment, and unlawful imprisonment, with a total bail set at $200,000. The Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office has until the end of this week to file formal charges against him.
The Lacey Police Department commended the swift action of all involved in apprehending Shelton, stating, “Great work to everyone who worked this case for getting the suspect in custody quickly!”
Next steps: The community is urged to remain vigilant as the investigation continues, and updates are expected soon regarding the victim’s condition and the formal charges against Shelton.
This incident highlights the urgent need for public safety measures in hotel settings and raises critical questions about personal security in transient accommodations. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
