Bellingham Police Department detectives opened a criminal investigation into a road rage incident after a man arrived at the hospital with a gunshot wound.
PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center contacted police about the incident Sunday morning, Deputy Chief of Operations Don Almer said Sunday, Aug. 18. According to a Bellingham Police Department social media post, the “serious assault” occurred at the intersection of Iowa and Moore streets in the eastbound lanes around 9 a.m. Aug. 18.
The victim of the shooting drove himself to the hospital, Bellingham Police Department Public Information Officer Megan Peters said Monday, Aug. 18. “Due to the victim’s need to undergo treatment, detectives are waiting to interview the victim further,” she said.
Police took a suspect into custody on a first-degree assault charge and a reckless endangerment charge at 5:25 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 18.
Several motorists likely witnessed the incident, which involved a green Ford Explorer and a silver Honda sedan, according to the social media post. Detectives have located and impounded a vehicle connected to the person who was shot, Almer said.
Almer said there is no danger to the public at this time.
BPD’s Investigations Division is asking anyone who witnessed this incident to call 360-778-8645 or email the police department, referencing case number 24B-47842.
This article was updated at 10:10 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 19 to add more information from the police about the incident and the arrest.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at charlottealden@cascadiadaily.com; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
