Bellingham Police Car in 2015—Public Domain image
BELLINGHAM, WA — Authorities in Whatcom County are continuing to investigate an officer-involved shooting in Maple Falls that resulted in the death of one suspect and the arrest of another, following an earlier incident near Ferndale that left a man in critical condition.
According to information released by law enforcement, a shooting was reported in the early morning hours of April 25 in the 3500 block of North Red River Road near Ferndale. A 34-year-old man was found with serious injuries and remains in critical condition. Investigators later identified a 36-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, both from Bellingham, as suspects in that case.
As the investigation developed, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office stated that both individuals were believed to be at a property in the 7700 block of Kendall Road in Maple Falls on April 26. That evening, the Sheriff’s Office Special Response Unit responded to the location in an effort to take the suspects into custody. The unit includes members of the Crisis Negotiations Team and a multi-agency SWAT team.
During the attempted arrest, an exchange of gunfire occurred, according to authorities. The male suspect was struck and pronounced deceased at the scene. Officials said no law enforcement personnel or other individuals were injured. The woman was taken into custody without further incident and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on probable cause in connection to the earlier Ferndale case, as well as outstanding warrants.
Law enforcement indicated the case involves allegations including attempted homicide, robbery, and residential burglary under Lummi Nation law. (check with booking records, or public records for the latest updates on these.)
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has requested that the Law Enforcement Multi Agency Team conduct an independent investigation into the officer-involved shooting, which is standard protocol. The Bellingham Police Department is leading that investigation. Detectives and crime scene investigators have executed search warrants at the Kendall Road property as they work to collect evidence and establish a timeline of events.
Authorities noted that the investigation remains active and that information may change as additional details are confirmed. Anyone who may have been in the area of Kendall Road on the evening of April 26 and witnessed or heard anything related to the incident is encouraged to contact the tip line. Individuals with information about the earlier Ferndale shooting are asked to contact federal authorities through the appropriate reporting channels.
Note: All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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