Stay informed about crime news and updates in Bellingham, WA.
A 47-year-old man from Puyallup was arrested by Whatcom County Sheriff's Office deputies following a drive-by shooting incident near Woodlawn Cemetery on February 18. Witnesses reported the suspect brandishing a firearm during a road rage altercation, leading to the discovery of a pistol and ammunition in his vehicle. Fortunately, no injuries were reported in the shooting.
A 47-year-old man was arrested for a drive-by shooting incident that occurred north of Bellingham, WA, on Tuesday night. According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, the suspect fired a handgun during a road rage altercation and was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Bellingham Police are seeking community assistance in locating 26-year-old Timothy Stovall, who is wanted in connection with a shooting incident that occurred on February 11 in the 3200 block of W. Maplewood. A felony arrest warrant has been issued for Stovall, who faces multiple charges including assault and robbery. Authorities urge anyone who sees him to avoid approaching and to contact 911 immediately.
Bellingham police arrested a 26-year-old man on February 15 for allegedly shooting a 37-year-old man during a dispute over gas payment. The suspect attempted to flee on a motorcycle and later on foot, but was apprehended without incident. He faces multiple charges, including first-degree assault and robbery.
A Bellingham teenager was arrested in Lynden after fleeing in a stolen car, following a traffic stop by Mount Vernon Police. The 17-year-old initially provided a false name to officers before colliding with a patrol vehicle and escaping, leading to a warrant for his arrest. The stolen vehicle was later recovered in Mount Vernon.
Jesus Ortiz-Plata, a 46-year-old Mexican national, was sentenced to 15 months in prison for his role in a human smuggling operation across the Blaine border. The investigation, which began in July 2023, revealed that Ortiz-Plata assisted in transporting noncitizens while charging thousands of dollars for the service. Following his arrest in May 2024, he pled guilty and faces potential deportation after serving his sentence.
A motorcyclist was tragically killed in a wrong-way crash on I-5 near Burlington early on February 13, 2025, following a police chase. The 43-year-old rider was identified after colliding with a semi-truck while traveling northbound in the southbound lanes. The incident has prompted an ongoing investigation by Skagit-Island SMART.
A Custer man, Valentin Rivera, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder and two counts of assault in Whatcom County Superior Court following the shooting death of Angel Rodriguez on January 11. Rivera is currently held at Whatcom County Jail on a $2 million bond, with a next court appearance scheduled for February 19.
A December apartment fire in Ferndale has been deemed accidental, resulting in the tragic deaths of two individuals due to smoke inhalation. The Whatcom County Fire Marshal’s Office determined that the fire originated from furniture placed near heated baseboards, leading to an estimated monetary loss of $200,000. This incident highlights the critical importance of fire safety and awareness in residential areas.
Ferndale Police are warning residents about a rise in roadside scammers who are aggressively soliciting money under false pretenses, offering fake gold jewelry for sale. The police department urges the public to avoid engaging with these individuals and to report them by calling 911. This advisory highlights the importance of community vigilance and public safety in Ferndale, WA.