LYNDEN - Sheriff Bill Elfo is asking for the public's help in tracking down a known gang member who's not abiding by the terms of his parole.
David Joseph Veliz, 27, of Skagit County has frequented the Lynden area and is a confirmed member of a Sureno gang, Elfo said. Lately he hasn't reported to his parole officer.
Veliz has a long history of violent crime. In 2010, for example, he broke into a car parked outside the Bellingham Costco, according to court records. The car's owner came back from shopping with his wife and toddler son. Veliz refused to give up a bag of stolen goods, then pulled out a knife. The man pulled out a knife, too, to defend himself and his family. Veliz fled but was later arrested.
Veliz is 5-foot-6 and weighs 130 pounds. If you see him or know where he's staying, call 911.
In a written statement, Elfo said it's "frustrating to law enforcement that ... Veliz's continued liberty places our community at risk."
Correction: Veliz's age was corrected Nov. 9, 2012.
Reach CALEB HUTTON at caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2276.
