A 21-year-old Washington man is fighting for his life after allegedly being shot three times during a street takeover in downtown Seattle, only to be ignored by bystanders who filmed his suffering and denied entry to a nearby 7-Eleven. Matthew Lanske was shot in the stomach and pelvis, shattering a major artery, and reportedly bled out on the sidewalk while witnesses stood by with their phones raised rather than calling for medical assistance.
Background
The incident occurred early Sunday near Seattle's Belltown neighborhood during an alleged street takeover event. According to police, Lanske and his friends had just finished dinner when they were confronted by a man and two women participating in the takeover. Authorities state that the trio allegedly attempted to rob one of Lanske's friends at gunpoint, prompting Lanske to intervene and attempt to wrestle the weapon away from the suspect.
Lanske sustained two gunshot wounds to the stomach and a third that shattered his pelvis while striking a major artery. Despite the severity of his injuries, he walked approximately two blocks seeking help. His mother, Shanda Barney, stated that Lanske begged 7-Eleven employees to let him inside the store, but they locked the doors. Lanske reportedly told his mother, 'They wouldn't let me in. They locked the doors. I begged them to let me in, and there was so much blood coming out of my stomach, I thought I was going to die.'
Police eventually located Lanske after he managed to text 911 and his girlfriend. He was rushed to a local hospital where he remained on life support for two days before waking up. His sister, Rebecca Garberding, expressed heartbreak over the lack of immediate aid, noting that while her brother fought for survival, people were 'standing around filming him, taking pictures instead of helping him.'
The Investigation
Seattle Police Department investigators are currently reviewing the incident, which involves an alleged robbery and assault with a deadly weapon. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting. The investigation is focused on identifying the suspects involved in the alleged street takeover and the subsequent shooting. Authorities are urging the public to come forward with any information regarding the identities of the man and two women who confronted Lanske and his friends.
The case has drawn attention due to the bystander effect observed during the emergency. Video footage circulating on social media shows the chaotic scene of the street takeover, while the family emphasizes the critical minutes where Lanske sought refuge in the 7-Eleven. The store's response to a visibly wounded customer has become a point of contention for the family, who are seeking accountability from both the perpetrators and those who failed to assist.
Key Takeaways
- Matthew Lanske, 21, was shot three times during an alleged street takeover in Seattle's Belltown neighborhood.
- Family claims 7-Eleven employees locked doors and refused to let the bleeding victim inside.
- Bystanders allegedly filmed Lanske bleeding on the sidewalk instead of providing aid or calling for help.
- Lanske suffered two gunshot wounds to the stomach and a third to the pelvis, severing a major artery.
- Police report no arrests have been made as of Wednesday; the investigation is ongoing.
- The victim required life support for two days and has undergone two surgeries, with at least two more expected.
What's Next
Lanske remains in recovery, with his family stating that his rehabilitation will take months. The Seattle Police Department continues to seek witnesses and suspects related to the shooting. The family has issued a public plea for anyone who saw or heard anything during the incident to come forward with information. Legal proceedings and potential charges against the suspects will depend on the successful identification and apprehension of the individuals involved in the alleged robbery and shooting.