Woman suspected of assaulting sleeping Bellingham man with a hammer
Bellingham police arrested a woman suspected of striking a man she was familiar with in the head multiple times with a claw hammer Saturday evening.
Maxine Boswell was booked into Whatcom County Jail on Sunday, Dec. 15, on suspicion of first-degree assault. Jail records show she also was wanted on a warrant for fourth-degree assault and shoplifting and that she is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Officers responded at approximately 9:25 p.m. Dec. 14 to the 1900 block of Alabama Street for the report of an assault with a hammer, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald. They arrived to find the victim at a neighbor’s home bleeding from a wound on the side of his head.
The victim told police he was sleeping when Boswell hit him multiple times in the head with a hammer, Murphy said, and he ran out to get help. Officers also found blood-soaked pillows and blankets where the attack had reportedly occurred as well as a hammer that matched the description given by the victim.
The victim was taken to St. Joseph’s hospital for treatment for his head wounds, Murphy said.
Several hours later, police were called after Boswell returned to the home, Murphy said. Officers attempted to make contact with Boswell at the door, but she did not open the door and spoke to officers through a front window.
A crisis negotiator took over communicating with Boswell, Murphy said, but it became apparent she did not intend to exit the home.
Police were granted a search warrant, unlocked the front door and took Boswell into custody.
Resources
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or sexual assault, you can contact the following local resources for free, confidential support:
▪ Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services: 24-hour Help Line: 360-715-1563, Email: info@dvsas.org.
▪ Lummi Victims of Crime: 360-312-2015.
▪ Bellingham Police: You can call anonymously at 360-778-8611, or go online at cob.org/tips.
▪ WWU Consultation and Sexual Assault Support Survivor Advocacy Services: 360-650-3700 or wp.wwu.edu/sexualviolence/.
This story was originally published December 17, 2019 at 5:00 AM.
