Whatcom homeowner returns home to find man aiming own compound bow and arrow at him
A south Whatcom County homeowner returned to find that a Lynden man had reportedly broken into his home and was aiming the homeowner’s compound bow and arrow at him.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Adam Micah Hughes, 38, into Whatcom County Jail Friday, Sept. 4, on suspicion of first-degree assault, first-degree burglary, second-degree theft and second-degree possession of stolen property. Jail records show Hughes is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Deputies were called at approximately 2:30 p.m. to the 1000 block of Old Samish Road south of Interstate 5 near Lake Padden Park for a reported burglary in progress, sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
The homeowner reported returning home to find Hughes inside the home armed with the homeowner’s compound bow and arrow, which was pointed at the homeowner, Slater reported.
The homeowner, who was armed with a .40 caliber pistol, drew his gun in self-defense, Slater reported, prompting Hughes to run toward the woods at the back of the property.
The homeowner fired several warning shots to get Hughes to stop, caught Hughes and held him at gunpoint until deputies arrived, according to Slater.
Hughes, who reportedly appeared to be suffering from mental health issues, told deputies that he entered the house looking for food and supplies and claimed he was being chased by “corrupt police officers and gangsters” that were attempting to kill him, Slater reported. Hughes also reportedly told deputies that he had been camping in the woods for a few days and taking things from the house.
Deputies located Hughes’ campsite and approximately $1,700 worth of stolen items.
