WSP cadets’ Bellingham traffic stop leads to arrest for fraud, criminal impersonation
Cadets in the Washington State Patrol made a routine vehicle stop early Friday in Bellingham and ended up finding evidence of drugs, fraud and stolen credit cards.
The two cadets noticed signs of potential narcotics during the 1:50 a.m. stop Feb. 9 on I-5 near Smith Road exit, according to WSP Sergeant Anthony Califano.
A K9 unit was called in, and a search of the vehicle revealed Fentanyl, meth, stolen debit/credit cards belonging to more than 20 people, checks, social security cards, fake Washington driver’s licenses and a card skimmer used to steal card information from ATMs.
Ryan Thomas Southwood, 38, was arrested for first-degree identity theft, financial fraud, possession of stolen property, possession of controlled substances, criminal impersonation and credit/debit card factoring of transactions. He remained in custody at Whatcom County Jail as of Friday afternoon.
This story was originally published February 9, 2024 at 4:00 PM.
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