Relatives Say Man's PTSD Prompted Shooting In Everett

A former soldier is accused of opening fire outside an Everett McDonald's, and his relatives are blaming the Vietnam War.

Relatives of Steven Dionne said he may have shot a panhandler as a reaction to post-traumatic stress disorder.

Greg Dionne said jail is the last place his brother wants to be. Not just jail, but any place where he's surrounded by people.

"He's not a violent person," Greg Dionne said. "He wouldn't go up to somebody to even ask directions."

Everett police said Steven Dionne shot a panhandler Saturday morning outside a McDonald's when the man asked for money. Police said the men argued and then Steven Dionne shot the man in the back.

He allegedly first told authorities it was self-defense because the victim was stealing from his truck. Police said he eventually told them, "I was really mad at the guy."

"Several hours of talking with the suspect in this case, some of the information just wasn't adding up," said Sgt. Robert Goetz of the Everett Police Department.

"I just don't know what to say. I'm just real surprised," Greg Dionne said.

The only explanation the suspect's relatives said they can come up with is that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and that when he served in Vietnam he was exposed to the chemical Agent Orange.

"I can't believe he would even have a gun," Greg Dionne said.

Bill Singer of Everett said he heard the gunshot from his house next door.

"It was a nice, quiet, peaceful morning until that happened," Singer said.

Singer said he’s dealt with aggressive panhandlers in the area for years.

"They don't understand the word no," Singer said.

Everett police also said they’ve responded to the area before.

"It's resolved fairly quickly, and we would just ask the public if that ever happens, wherever it is in the city, to call us," Goetz said.

Police said the victim, a man in his 40s, remains in serious condition at Providence Medical Center.