Alleged Criminal Activity Leads to High-Stakes Arrest in Whatcom County

*Note: The Information below are Allegations, The suspect is Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a court of law. – The information attached was emailed to BMN from Bellingham Police Department via Press Release.

BELLINGHAM, WA — Law enforcement agencies across the county concluded a two-month search for a man, identified as Carl Ellis Woods, Age 36, with a dramatic arrest on December 27, 2024. WOODS faces a bunch of charges, including suspicion of burglary, eluding police, harassment, and driving under the influence, following a series of incidents culminating in his apprehension.

Ongoing Investigation and Reckless Pursuits

Over the past two months, WOODS has allegedly evaded multiple attempts by authorities to take him into custody. Among the accusations is a burglary in the first degree in Blaine, during which WOODS allegedly assaulted a resident by strangulation. On several occasions, officers terminated vehicular pursuits when WOODS’s reckless driving posed significant risks to public safety.

Early on December 27, a Western Washington University (WWU) officer attempted to stop a silver Subaru, believed to be driven by WOODS and displaying stolen license plates. The driver allegedly turned off the vehicle’s lights and sped recklessly through downtown Bellingham. The pursuit was terminated.

Residential Burglary and Arrest

Later that day, Bellingham Police Department (BPD) officers responded to reports of an active burglary in the 1400 block of Lakeway Drive. Witnesses described a man attempting to force entry into an apartment by kicking the door. Investigators identified WOODS as the alleged suspect.

WOODS allegedly fled the scene in the same silver Subaru seen earlier in the day. Officers located the vehicle in the 2100 block of Xenia Street and initiated a high-stakes tactical maneuver to prevent another dangerous pursuit.

Arrest and Evidence

After pinning WOODS’s vehicle to prevent escape, officers reported he refused to comply with commands, leading to the use of less-lethal munitions, including a drag-stabilized baton and chemical irritants. These measures eventually compelled WOODS to surrender.

Inside the Subaru, officers observed the butt of a firearm in plain view. The vehicle was seized, and a subsequent search warrant revealed BB guns, drug paraphernalia, and additional stolen license plates.

During the arrest, WOODS allegedly made racial and homophobic threats toward an officer including allegations of threats of assault and finding him off duty, leading to harassment charges. Signs of intoxication prompted further investigation, with evidence suggesting the influence of fentanyl.

Charges and Pending Cases

WOODS faces multiple charges, including:

• Attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle
• Harassment for alleged threats of harm
• DUI (pending toxicology results)
• Driving while license suspended
• Possession of stolen property (3rd degree)
• Resisting arrest

Additionally, WOODS is charged with:

• Residential burglary for allegedly picking the lock of an apartment and entering unlawfully
• Attempted residential burglary for reportedly damaging the same apartment’s door in a subsequent attempt to enter

WOODS also has outstanding warrants, including:

• Attempting to elude – Bail set at $5,000
• Burglary (1st degree) – Bail set at $30,000
• Driving while license suspended (3rd degree) – Bail set at $3,500

You can view the booking record HERE – The booking occurred on December 28th, 2024 at 02:08 – The Booking Number is 64540, there are way too many case numbers to list, as it included Washington State Patrol, Bellingham Police Department, Western Police, Ferndale Police, Blaine Police, Whatcom County Sheriffs Office.

Additional charges related to previous incidents are under review by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

Community Safety and Legal Proceedings

WOODS is being held in Whatcom County Jail on a combined bail exceeding $330,000. Authorities continue to evaluate the evidence, including potential bias elements in the threats made during his arrest.

This case highlights the coordinated efforts of local law enforcement to address public safety concerns while adhering to legal protocols during high-risk situations.

Note: This information was emailed to Bellingham Metro News from Bellingham Police Department Lt. Claudia Murphy. — All Suspects are Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty in a court of Law.