Update for Aug. 25
Michael Helmer, 27 of Kent, was charged with fourth degree assault on Aug. 22 for allegedly pulling out a 9mm handgun and shooting - striking one victim - after a fight broke out in front of the Bamboo Tavern on Aug. 19, according to the King County Prosecutor’s Office.

Helmer was arrested by Southwest Precinct officers shortly after the shooting, with the help of a witness who followed the suspect.

Charging documents reveal a 30-year-old male was standing outside the bar around 1 a.m. when Helmer and an unidentified suspect allegedly attacked him, kicking him in the head several times after he fell to the ground.

A witness to the attack stepped in and attempted to separate Helmer and the other suspect from the victim. Helmer allegedly pulled out a 9mm Makarov semi-automatic pistol at that time, pointed it at the man who intervened, and shot him in the upper left arm.

Both suspects ran away on foot, Helmer eastbound down the beach. A third witness saw Helmer run, got into his vehicle and followed the suspect while he communicated with authorities.

The witness allegedly watched Helmer place his Seahawks jersey and handgun wrapped inside on top of a parked SUV tire, then walk a short distance to sit on a bench.

Police arrived at the scene moments later and the witness pointed out Helmer and his evidence stash. The 9mm round recovered at the shooting scene matched the rounds found inside Helmer’s handgun, police said.

Harborview medical staff recommended the shooting victim leave the bullet, that travelled through his arm and into his chest, alone as removing it “would create a substantial risk to (his) health.” The beating victim was treated at Harborview for a concussion, multiple cuts, stitches on his elbow and facial swelling, according to court documents.

Helmer has prior convictions for minor in possession, attempted vehicular assault, reckless driving, DUI, and carrying a concealed weapon without a permit. He is being held on $150,000 bail.

Update for Aug. 21
The 27-year-old Kent man arrested for suspicion of assault in a shooting at the Bamboo Tavern on Alki early Sunday morning is in jail with a $150,000 bond over his head, according to the King County Prosecutor's Office.

Prosecutors have until Wednesday, Aug. 22, to file charges.

Probable cause documents reveal a few more details on the case: Around 1:15 a.m. the arrested suspect and several other patrons of the Bamboo Tavern spilled out front and started fighting. Witnesses say the suspect pulled out a semi-automatic handgun and fired at least one shot, possibly striking the victim in this case who sustained a non-life threatening injury.

After firing the shot, witnesses saw the suspect point the handgun at several more patrons before running away on foot. A witness followed the shooter and watched him hide his gun and Seahawks jersey on the top of a parked SUV tire.

Police arrived and arrested him 25 feet away from the SUV, recovered the gun and a spent shell casing in front of the bar.

Original post on Aug. 19
Information from Det. Renee Witt, Seattle Police Department

A verbal argument lead to a fist fight and shots fired. Just shortly after 1:00 a.m. (on Aug. 19), the victims and suspects were very intoxicated and got into a verbal argument at the Bamboo Tavern at 2806 Alki Av SW. Soon it developed into a bloody fight. A gun was pulled and at least one shot was fired. One victim sustained a non life threatening gun shot wound. The second victim sustained a concussion and a possible broken rib.

The two suspects fled. Responding officers located and arrested one suspect and recovered the handgun.

Both victims were transported to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of their non-life threatening injuries. The victims’ conditions are unknown at this time.

The second suspect is still at large. The arrested suspect was booked into King County Jail for Investigation of Assault.