Ferndale man arrested, accused of attempting to kidnap woman and threaten to harm her
Authorities arrested a man for the alleged kidnapping of a woman in Whatcom County.
David Nathaniel Wadkins, 28, of Ferndale was contacted by deputies from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office around 1:14 a.m. April 7 at the intersection of Grandview Road and Kickerville Road. Deputies said he appeared to be disorientated and to have been assaulted.
A woman who is known to Wadkins told police he had been upset and convinced her to get in his car for a ride. Wadkins allegedly refused to let her out of the vehicle and made statements about taking her to Canada, according to Megan Juenemann with the city of Ferndale.
Wadkins allegedly sped up any time the woman attempted to get out of the car and was driving recklessly. He also allegedly screamed at her and threatened to physically harm her, Juenemann said.
The woman eventually escaped from the car and called her boyfriend to come get her. While she was waiting, Wadkins grabbed her and tried to pull her back into the car, Juenemann said.
Wadkins has been charged with second-degree kidnapping and unlawful imprisonment, both felonies. He has been bonded out of custody at Whatcom County Jail.
Editor’s note (April 11): This article was updated to include the suspect’s name once he was formally charged.
This story was originally published April 8, 2025 at 1:16 PM.
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