A shooting erupted at the Bite of Seattle festival at Seattle Center around 6 p. m.
Sunday, leaving three people dead and at least four others injured as panicked crowds fled for cover.
Authorities identified the deceased as Ashley Whitehead, 56; Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba, 44; and Junior Cee Niko Semo, 19.
According to police, Semo was one of the individuals involved in the shooting.
A 15-year-old male suspect was taken into custody for investigation of three counts of first-degree assault and illegal firearm possession.
Officials noted that a 2-year-old boy injured during the chaos was discharged from the hospital on Monday.
Police Chief Shon Barnes provided initial updates after searches across the park campus, including nearby entertainment venues.
Investigators continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the altercation between the suspects. Assistant Chief Nicole Powell said, "We believe this could be gang related."
Eyewitnesses described a sudden outbreak of gunfire near the festival's main attractions.
Dexter Rothschild, a caricature artist, said the gunman appeared to be using a single handgun and was dressed in dark clothing.
"His arm was just moving up and down," Rothschild recalled. "To me, it looked like somebody who was not in control."
Hannah Furfaro, a Seattle Times reporter, recounted fleeing toward nearby streets along with hundreds of other festival visitors.
"This was the scariest moment of my life," she said.
Other attendees recalled the rapid movement of crowds seeking shelter. Sue Feldman described being ushered into a restaurant kitchen by staff.
"He was confident, clear and comforting," she said of the staff member.
Rhabbie Coquia, a restaurant manager, noted that workers tried to shield as many people as possible.
"The most difficult part was closing the door on people trying to get in," he said.
"We tried to bring in as much as we could, but we can only shelter so many people.
At that point, you don't want to be the target."
By Monday morning, vendors were granted temporary access to retrieve equipment and personal items left behind.
Ikaika Bullock, a vendor, said, "Everything happened in a minute — less than a minute." He added, "It's not a happy day."
Authorities stated that a third potential suspect connected to the shooting remains at large as the police investigation continues.
