Law enforcement responds to a shooting investigation on Birch Bay Drive in Birch Bay on Sunday, Sept. 6, 2026. Photo courtesy of Alicia Azure/Bellingham Metro News.
One person was injured and several people were taken into custody late Sunday evening after a shooting allegedly involving members of two motorcycle gangs in Birch Bay, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
The shooting was reported at approximately 7:15 p.m. in the 7800 block of Birch Bay Drive. The Sheriff’s Office said one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was receiving medical treatment.
Several people were taken into custody in alleged connection with the incident following a large multi-agency response involving sheriff’s deputies and nearby law enforcement agencies including State Patrol. The Sheriff’s Office said the coordinated response led to the rapid apprehension of alleged suspects.
Bellingham Metro News has received information indicating the shooting may have involved members of two major outlaw motorcycle clubs, including one traditionally classified among the “Big Four.” A photograph reviewed by our newsroom appears to show a person displaying insignia associated with one of the clubs on their vest or coat.
A first responder source familiar with the incident, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation, said members of a second motorcycle club were also allegedly involved. BMN is not naming either organization at this time because the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office has not publicly confirmed the identities of the groups.
Our newsroom contacted the Sheriff’s Office Sunday night and specifically asked whether the two clubs identified through BMN’s reporting were involved. The agency declined to provide additional information, saying it would not release further details until the investigation is completed.
BMN also reviewed images provided by an anonymous source that appear to show exterior damage to a building in the Birch Bay area, including damaged glass near a balcony and what appears to be a possible bullet hole, along with law enforcement activity nearby.
The Sheriff’s Office has not confirmed to BMN whether the apparent damage is connected to the shooting, and BMN has not independently verified what caused it. Authorities have declined to provide additional information while the investigation remains active.
Other photographs reviewed by our newsroom show a significant law enforcement presence around Birch Bay, including officers near a Sinclair gas station and emergency vehicles along Birch Bay Drive. At least one image appears to show a person wearing clothing displaying motorcycle club insignia near law enforcement.
It remains unclear what led up to the shooting or how the different locations where law enforcement was seen may be connected.
The Sheriff’s Office said there is no known threat to the public based on the information currently available and asked community members to avoid the immediate area while the investigation continues.
This is a developing story, and Bellingham Metro News will continue to follow it.
Photo courtesy of Alicia Azure/Bellingham Metro News.
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