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[19:33]
Reporter: It's my understanding that the hospital is compelled to notify the police when the gunshot victim comes in. Did that not happen?

Police Chief: I learned about this after the person was released and so we can not compel the hospital to give us information on that person, so we were not able to speak with them. I believe our detectives did try to speak with that person and that did not happen. So, now we voluntarily need that person if they indeed was injured they are to come and speak with us. If you know this person or are listening to this conference, you know something please call that number.

Under Washington State law (RCW 70.41.440), hospitals must report specific violent injuries to local law enforcement

Under Washington State law (RCW 70.41.440), hospitals must report specific violent injuries to local law enforcement as soon as reasonably possible. This duty applies strictly to bullet wounds, gunshot wounds, and stab wounds. For other general crimes or assaults without these specific weapon injuries, WA law does not broadly mandate that hospitals notify the police for competent adult victims who choose not to report. [1, 2, 3]

Core Requirements

Mandatory Triggers: Treatment of any bullet, gunshot, or stab wound.
Timing: As soon as reasonably possible, prioritizing the patient's emergency medical care needs above reporting tasks.
Written Policy: Hospitals must maintain a written policy designating who is responsible for making the law enforcement report.
Required Details: The report must share the patient’s name, sex, age, residence, and the nature of the wound, if known. [2, 4]