Daijiworld Media Network - Seattle

Seattle, Jul 28: A 15-year-old boy has been ordered to remain in juvenile detention in connection with a gunfight at Seattle's popular Bite of Seattle food festival that left three people dead and at least four others injured.

A King County Superior Court judge ordered the teenager's detention on Monday after prosecutors alleged he was involved in the exchange of gunfire, which authorities believe may be gang-related.

According to prosecutors, the shooting involved the 15-year-old, a 19-year-old man who died at the scene and possibly a third suspect who remains at large.

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson said investigators are reviewing surveillance footage, analysing bullet casings and following up on public tips to determine exactly what happened and identify everyone involved.

"We now know that at least two people exchanged gunfire outside the Seattle Center Armory. One is in custody, and a second has been identified as the 19-year-old deceased man," Wilson said.

The teenager is being held on suspicion of three counts of first-degree assault and one count of second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Prosecutors are expected to make a formal charging decision after receiving the initial police investigation report later this week.

Police said the teen had no previous criminal record in King County.

Authorities described the 15-year-old and the deceased 19-year-old as associates and said the incident appeared to involve two groups exchanging gunfire.

Nicole Powell, Assistant Chief of Investigations with the Seattle Police Department, said investigators believe the shooting could be linked to gang activity.

According to court documents, a police officer positioned less than 100 feet away witnessed the teenager firing a handgun into the crowd during the festival on Sunday evening. The suspect was arrested shortly afterwards, while the 19-year-old was also taken into custody before later succumbing to gunshot injuries.

Police are continuing the search for a third possible suspect.

The King County Medical Examiner identified the deceased as 19-year-old Junior Cee Niko Semo, 56-year-old Ashley Whitehead and 44-year-old Carlos Israel Sanchez Villalba.

Officials said four other victims sustained injuries but are in stable condition. Among them was a two-year-old boy, who was treated at Harborview Medical Center and later discharged in satisfactory condition.

Investigators said three of the injured victims were found in the direction where the teenager allegedly fired, including the toddler and another individual who had been pushing a bicycle.

Witnesses initially mistook the sound of gunfire for fireworks before panic spread through the crowded festival. Videos circulating on social media showed people running for safety and stumbling over one another as shots rang out.

Food vendor Hana Kim, who had travelled from New York to assist her family at the event, said several people sought shelter under their stall during the shooting.

"My first instinct was to make sure my parents were safe," she said, adding that she injured her knee while diving to the ground for cover.

Kim said she, her brother and a friend quickly evacuated their parents and helped others escape to safety, while neighbouring vendors fled, leaving behind phones, wallets, cash boxes and food cooking on grills.

The following day, a woman who had briefly taken shelter at the family's stall called to thank them for keeping her safe.

"It was sobering receiving that call because, honestly, all of us are still in shock," Kim said.