A Washington state man was shot by his girlfriend's estranged husband after the suspected gunman chased him and crashed into his vehicle following a custody swap, leading to a chaotic confrontation on the street.
In a shocking turn of events, a custody swap in Kitsap County, Washington, turned violent when a 40-year-old man shot his girlfriend's 21-year-old boyfriend, resulting in a chaotic struggle on the street.
The incident occurred on Saturday evening near the Kitsap County Fairgrounds in Bremerton. The victim and his girlfriend, 31, had arranged to hand over her eight-year-old son to her estranged husband. After the girlfriend dropped her boyfriend off, she proceeded to drop her son off with her husband.
Jealousy Fuels Violent Custody Swap Shooting
Upon returning to the fairgrounds to pick up her boyfriend, the estranged husband, who had followed her, shot at the couple as they drove away. The boyfriend attempted to escape with his girlfriend, but the estranged husband relentlessly pursued them, continuing to fire at their vehicle.
As the couple drove on Nels Nelson Road, the estranged husband overtook them, made a U-turn, and rammed his vehicle head-on into the victim's vehicle. Both the estranged husband and the victim exited their vehicles and engaged in a heated altercation.
Jealousy Fuels Violent Custody Swap Shooting
The situation escalated when the estranged husband retrieved a .22 caliber handgun and shot the victim in the abdomen. The victim's girlfriend witnessed the shooting and intervened, leading to a violent struggle between the three individuals.
A heroic witness managed to kick the gun away from the fighting trio, preventing further harm. Deputies arrived on the scene shortly after and found the victim holding the estranged husband in a headlock in a ditch.
Jealousy Fuels Violent Custody Swap Shooting
The victim was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center for treatment, while the estranged husband was transported to St. Michael's Medical Center. The victim's girlfriend and the child who was the subject of the custody swap were unharmed.
The estranged husband was later booked into the Kitsap County Jail on charges of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting. He is being held without bail.
Jealousy Fuels Violent Custody Swap Shooting
The motive for the shooting remains under investigation, but it is believed to be related to jealousy and the estranged husband's anger over the custody arrangement.
This incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers involved in custody disputes and the importance of seeking support and protection when necessary.
