BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A 34-year-old Bellingham man has been arrested following a traffic stop with Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies that led to discovery of fentanyl and a search of his residence found evidence he was selling drugs and manufacturing untraceable guns.
According to an affidavit of probable cause filed by prosecutors in Whatcom County Superior Court, the traffic stop was conducted by deputies on May 14th in Cornwall Park in Bellingham. The driver admitted to and was found with 3 ounces of white powder, which later tested positive for fentanyl, in separate ounce-sized baggies. During the stop, a vehicle arrived at the same parking lot and the driver admitted they were there to purchase drugs from him.
A search of the stopped vehicle located parts for Glock-style handguns in bags.
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Click for more informationA search of the driver’s residence located the following.
- a 3D printer with multiple spools of polymer used to make computer-generated objects
- 3 assembled Glock-style handguns with loaded magazines inserted, 2 assembled from 3D printed frames
- a suppressor (firearm silencer)
- handgun magazines including 1 that appeared to have been 3D printed
- 6 polymer handgun frames that appeared to have been 3D printed
- baggies, scales, paraphernalia, etc. associated with drug sales
The suspect, identified as Austin Grimme, was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail.
Grimme has prior felony convictions for 1st-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, manufacture/delivery of a controlled substance, 2nd-degree burglary, residential burglary, 2nd-degree malicious mischief and 1st-degree possession of stolen property.
At a May 14th preliminary hearing, the court set bail at $150,000 bond or $15,000 cash.
As of May 21st, Grimme remained in custody at the jail. Arraignment is scheduled for May 24th.