Tacoma, Washington — A seemingly harmless water balloon prank escalated into a violent encounter that left one teenager seriously injured and a 31-year-old man facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder. The incident unfolded on February 28 when Majeed Guerry allegedly pursued a group of four teenagers, robbing them at gunpoint and shooting one in the chest, according to documents from the Pierce County Superior Court.
Prosecutors outlined a troubling sequence of events that began during the evening when the teens were driving around Tacoma, playfully tossing water balloons at passing vehicles. After one of the balloons struck Guerry’s car, he reportedly followed the youths into a dead-end lot where he confronted them. Witnesses recounted that Guerry, armed with a handgun, threatened the boys, uttering phrases like, “You think that’s funny?” before demanding money and property.
The escalation of violence took a dramatic turn when Guerry allegedly struck one of the teenagers with his handgun before firing the weapon at close range. The bullet entered the victim’s chest and exited through his armpit. Although the injury was serious, medical professionals reported that it was not expected to be fatal. After receiving treatment, the victim provided police with a detailed account of the incident.
Investigators found consistency in the accounts given by all four teens, leading them to believe the shooting was deliberate. Details such as the gun’s cold metal pressing against the victim’s temple underscored the seriousness of the situation. As the investigation progressed, the district attorney indicated that additional charges could be filed as more evidence came to light, with an attempted first-degree murder charge added by March.
Authorities discovered that Guerry was not legally permitted to possess a firearm due to prior felony convictions. Local reports revealed a lengthy criminal history that included assault and violations of protection orders, intensifying the prosecution’s argument against his release. This context raises broader questions about gun access and the escalation of violence related to what began as a prank.
The investigation involved substantial efforts beyond witness statements. Authorities utilized surveillance video, license plate reader data, and cellphone records to trace a silver Kia K5 connected to the incident. Further evidence, including video from a nearby casino and photo lineups, led to Guerry’s identification by the teenagers. He was ultimately arrested on March 20, and at an initial court appearance, he pleaded not guilty.
Initially set at $150,000, Guerry’s bail was later increased to $300,000, reflecting the escalating nature of the charges. The courtroom proceedings are ongoing as the prosecution continues to build a case against him while stressing the severity of the crimes involved.
The confrontation’s location, a dead-end gravel road, added a chilling aspect to the case, illustrating how quickly a lighthearted moment devolved into an armed ambush. The stark language attributed to Guerry, including threats to kill the teenagers, provided unsettling context for the felony harassment charges.
As the case progresses through the judicial system, it stands as a reminder of the potential consequences of seemingly trivial actions and the dire implications of gun violence. The next phase of the proceedings will be crucial in determining how the legal system addresses these significant allegations.