Man’s Thanksgiving attack of 2 officers outside Drop-In Center sends one to hospital
A 35-year-old man reportedly attacked two Bellingham Police officers who were in the process of arresting another man outside the Drop-In Center on Thanksgiving, causing one officer to receive treatment for his injuries at the hospital.
Daniel Joshua Bravo was booked into Whatcom County Jail Nov. 28 on suspicion of two counts of third-degree assault, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $15,000 bail.
James Leroy Solvey, 47, also was booked on suspicion of felony harassment and disorderly conduct, according to jail records, and his bail has been set at $5,000.
The officers responded to the Drop-In Center at approximately 2:29 p.m., Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald, for the report of a disorderly person, determined to be Solvey, stepping into traffic along West Holly Street.
After speaking to Solvey for approximately a half hour, officers attempted to place him under arrest, Murphy said, but Solvey refused to comply with orders and officers had to use force to take him into custody.
While officers were still kneeling on the ground with Solvey, Bravo approached the officers in an angry manner, Murphy said, though he “was completely uninvolved and unlawfully inserted himself into a lawful arrest being made.”.
Bravo, who had spoken with the officers a few minutes earlier, pushed one officer, knocking him to the ground, Murphy said. He then reportedly tackled the second officer, who was still arresting Solvey, and punched the officer in the face.
The officer sustained minor injuries from the attack, Murphy said, and was treated and released.
This story was originally published December 5, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
