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Resident reports deer shot in Old Town; police and Fish and Wildlife investigating
Summary
A resident described hearing gunshots March 31 and finding a deer that later was determined to have a gunshot wound. Anacortes Police Department and Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife are investigating alleged discharge of a firearm within city limits and possible poaching; no charges were announced at the meeting.
During the public-comment portion of the Anacortes City Council meeting on April 7, a resident described an incident on March 31 in which she heard two "pop" sounds, found a deer that later died, and reported the event to 911.
Sheila Thomas said she was parked on Sixth Street when she heard the sounds, ran to the location and contacted dispatch. She described standing with officers and initially being told there was no visible blood; after she parted the deer's fur, officers observed a wound and Fish and Wildlife was notified. Thomas said she later spoke with Fish and Wildlife officers and provided the names of neighbors who may have information. "Although I do respect all living creatures, my focus is on firearms being discharged in the city of Anacortes," she told the council.
Mayor Matt Miller responded that the city would enforce laws prohibiting discharge of firearms within city limits and confirmed both Anacortes Police Department and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife were investigating. Thomas thanked dispatchers, police and Fish and Wildlife and said she was grateful no one was physically injured.
The council did not take action on the item during the meeting. No arrests or determinations were announced on April 7; the transcript reflects that the incident remains under investigation and that state wildlife authorities were involved.
