Bellingham Police arrested a 25-year-old Bellingham man after responding to a shots-fired call Tuesday along Bellingham Bay.
A witness called 911 at 4:04 p.m. reporting a shooter, BPD Lieutentant Claudia Murphy said in an email. The man had allegedly shot several rounds over the water.
🚨Community Alert 🚨
Patrol responding to shots fired near S. State St. Suspect is W/M, w/blk coat, blk hat with a rifle slung. Fired 8 shots over the water. Left south on South Bay Trail. Caution is advised. Call 911 if seen. #bp176 pic.twitter.com/eJRruHn2Hn— Bellingham Police (@BellinghamPD) February 9, 2022
“Officers responded to the area, bringing with them the BPD rescue vehicle as a safety precaution and to have the ability to quickly and safely rescue anyone if they were injured,” Murphy said.
After officers arrived the man, Ryan Marita-Davis, took off on foot wearing a backpack and did not obey commands to drop his rifle.
More officers were called to the scene and a perimeter was established to attempt to apprehend Marita-Davis, police said.
Marita-Davis dropped his backpack and attempted to evade police again. Officers deployed a “drag-stabilized baton,” (fired a bean bag round), in an attempt to de-escalate his behavior, Murphy said. After the shot, Marita-Davis was taken into custody.
Police recovered a .22 caliber rifle and 117 rounds of ammunition.
Marita-Davis was arrested for discharging a firearm within city limits and obstructing officers. He was booked into the Whatcom County Jail with a $1,500 appearance bond.
