Whatcom man allegedly threatens to blow up Marietta home and turns on natural gas
A Whatcom County man previously convicted of arson is suspected of threatening to blow up a Marietta home Saturday that was occupied at the time. He also reportedly turned on the natural gas.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Timothy Jay Newman, 48, into Whatcom County Jail Saturday morning, Feb. 15, on suspicion of making threats to bomb or injure. Jail records show Newman is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Deputies responded to the 1500 block of Bayon Road west of Bellingham after guests fled when Newman turned on the natural gas and began threatening to blow up the house, Chief Deputy Kevin Hester told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
The Bellingham Fire Department and Cascade Natural Gas also responded to the home and streets in the area were shut down in case there was an explosion, Hester wrote.
Responders were able to shut off the gas, Hester reported, and Newman was later convinced to exit the house.
Hester added that it was clear Newman “was suffering from mental health issues and possible narcotics intoxication.” Newman was checked at the hospital before he was booked into the jail.
Whatcom County Superior Court records show Newman was convicted of first-degree arson and assault for a 2017 event in which he set a roommate’s clothes on fire in a fire pit on the deck. Some of the burning clothing fell out and ignited the wooden deck on fire.
Newman also pointed a rifle at the roommate after being she confronted him, according to court records.
This story was originally published February 18, 2020 at 12:19 PM.
