SPD Gang detectives are investigating an assault in Downtown Seattle after a fight outside a nightclub this morning, and another officer is recovering from his injuries after he was apparently dragged by a vehicle during a traffic stop.

Just before 1 a.m. this morning, police received a report of a shooting near 1st and James Street. At the scene, officers found a man in his twenties lying on the ground, bleeding from a head wound.

Police initially believed the man had been shot, but witnesses said the man had been in an altercation and had in fact been pistol-whipped by two other men. He was treated at the scene and transported to Harborview.

Witnesses told police an argument between two groups outside of a nightclub escalated, and two men pulled out pistols and struck the victim before fleeing on foot. During the altercation, one of the guns went off, and police recovered one bullet which had been fired into the pavement.

An hour later, in an unrelated incident, a patrol officer pulled over a driver near 1st Avenue and Lenora Street who, police say, was driving recklessly.

The officer pulled in behind the driver in a parking lot and boxed the car in. As the officer approached the car, police say the driver tried to flee, ramming the officer's patrol car. The officer attempted to pull the driver out of his vehicle but, police say, the driver threw the car into reverse and dragged the officer about 50 feet before hitting a parked car.

The officer was able to get free from the vehicle and the driver fled the scene. The officer was taken to the hospital and treated for back pain.

In non-crime fireworks-related news, police have set up checkpoints around Gas Works Park and are restricting traffic in the area:

Between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 6:00 p.m. home and business owners will be able to enter and leave the area through designated access points, including:

· Stone Way Avenue North & North Northlake Way
· North 34th Street & Stone Way Avenue North
· North 35th Street & Interlake Avenue North
· North 35th Street & Pacific Avenue North
· North 36th Street & North Northlake Way
· North 38th Street & Sunnyside Avenue North
· North 38th Street & Interlake Avenue North
· North 39th Street & Ashworth Avenue North
· North 39th Street & Woodlawn Avenue North
· North 39th Street & Wallingford Avenue North
· North 39th Street & Meridian Avenue North
· North 39th Street & Corliss Avenue North

Each of these locations will have a police officer assigned to it, screening entry into the area, ensuring that only residents and businesses are given access. Residents that are expecting guests should provide their guests with an invitation showing the address they are going to or have their guests arrive prior to 12:00 Noon.

At 6:00 p.m. the access points will be moved one block out and access will be controlled at Stone Way Avenue North on the west and North 40th Street on the north.