Fleeing suspect enters stranger’s Bellingham home; SWAT called in before surrender
A 19-year-old Bellingham man was arrested Friday after fleeing from police into a stranger’s house and arming himself with a knife, according to Bellingham Police Department Lt. Claudia Murphy.
He was wanted on multiple charges, including sexual exploitation of a minor and possession of child sexual abuse material, Murphy said. Officers saw the man on Northwest Avenue near Lynn Street, but he ran off before they could take him into custody.
BPD officers set up a containment perimeter, and a K-9 unit and drone were used to attempt to track the man. Murphy said neighbors called 911 as they saw the man running past, and eventually reported that he’d run into a house on the 2900 block of Victor St.
Police surrounded the home, Murphy said, and saw the man arm himself with a kitchen knife through the window. The homeowner, who was a stranger to the man, initially stayed inside to try to help him. Murphy said the 19-year-old never injured the homeowner or held them against their will.
Members of the BPD Crisis Negotiations Team made contact with the man inside the house and convinced the homeowner to come outside. However, even after the SWAT team came to the scene, negotiators were unable to get the man to surrender. He also threatened to harm himself.
Murphy said a single less-lethal drag stabilized baton — a type of specialty impact munition — was deployed, and the man dropped the knife and surrendered. He was provided medical care on the scene and booked in Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary and resisting arrest, as well as the sexual exploitation of a minor, possession of child sexual abuse material and violation of domestic violence protection orders.
Murphy said probable cause is being established for additional crimes, as he attempted to enter another house while fleeing from police Friday. He is being held without bail, and he has not yet been formally charged.