Whatcom County Jail inmate recaptured after attempted escape during stay at local hospital
An assault suspect at Whatcom County Jail faces new charges after allegedly trying to escape while receiving care at a local hospital.
David Gass, 55, was in downtown Bellingham when he struck a man the night of Thursday, Jan. 25, according to Megan Peters with The Bellingham Police Department. When police arrived they found the assault victim bleeding from the neck. Peters said investigators had yet to establish a connection between the victim and Gass.
Three days later Gass was receiving care at St. Joseph Medical Center on police hold, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office. Gass was taken to the hospital by corrections deputies, and a temporary medical release is standard for those in need of medical attention a jail cannot provide.
Gass left the hospital, in violation of the terms allowing him to seek care there. He was later contacted outside the hospital by Bellingham police, who said he did not listen to their orders and attempted to flee again.
Gass has been arrested for second-degree assault, resisting arrest and first-degree escape.
He remained in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of Wednesday afternoon.
This story was originally published January 31, 2024 at 4:00 PM.
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