Bellingham Police responded to Roosevelt Park Friday night around 9:08 after several 911 phone calls reported a fight in the park, as well as the sound of gunshots, according to a press release from Lt. Claudia Murphy.
Witnesses saw a white Ford Mustang speed away from the park. Another witness reported seeing gunshots fired from the Ford Mustang. When officers arrived at the park they found spent shell casings.
Later, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies saw a white Ford Mustang driving abnormally slow on Woburn Street. They initiated a traffic stop at E. McLeod and Chandler Parkway.
Upon investigation, officers found a handgun in the vehicle as well as spent shell casings, according to the press release.
Four males were in the car, three minors aged 14, 15 and 17, and Eugenio D. Herrera, 19. When officers searched Herrera they found four unspent 9 mm rounds in his pocket, which matched the expended rounds found in the Mustang.
Three individuals were arrested. Herrera was arrested on suspicion of drive-by shooting and unlawful possession of a firearm and was booked into Whatcom County Jail.
“While doing a records check on Herrera, officers discovered he is a convicted felon of crimes which prohibit him from possessing a firearm, along with the fact he is only 19 years of age,” the press release said.
The driver of the Mustang, 17, was arrested on suspicion of being the driver of a vehicle in a drive-by shooting. The second minor, 14, was arrested on suspicion of possession of dangerous weapons — metal knuckles. The third minor, 15, was not arrested.
The two minors who were arrested have been booked into Whatcom County Juvenile Detention.
The vehicle was seized to gather evidence inside.