Whatcom County helps investigate Alger shootings

PETER JENSEN

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The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office is helping investigate a shooting spree that killed six people in the Alger area Tuesday, Sept. 2.

Sheriff Bill Elfo and four members of his senior staff were in Mount Vernon Wednesday to help plan the investigation with the Washington State Patrol, Skagit County Sheriff's Office and Mount Vernon Police Department. The investigation involves eight crime scenes and more than 100 law enforcement officers from 15 agencies.

Eight to 12 Whatcom County Sheriff's deputies have been guarding seven of the scenes to ensure they aren't tampered with, Elfo said.

"This is one of the most horrific crimes that we've experienced in our region," Elfo said. "If this happened in Whatcom County, we have no doubt the Skagit County Sheriff's Office and all the other agencies would help us."

Bellingham Police also offered to help but weren't needed, Bellingham Lt. Steve Felmley said.