BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Earlier this morning, Bellingham Police Department (BPD) officials advised staying away from their downtown office building due to an “active situation.”
About 10:25am today, Monday, May 6th, emergency radio transmissions indicated a woman was seen walking in the area of the BPD station while open carrying a rifle and handgun.
Law enforcement personnel took up positions around the area and temporarily shut down vehicle and pedestrian traffic on nearby streets while negotiating with the subject. A nearby school was put on temporary lockdown as well.
The woman was not clearly communicating with officers, and it became apparent to them that the woman was likely experiencing a behavioral health crisis. Some officers were able to distract the woman while others approached her from behind. At 1052 hours, officers were able to detain her and remove the loaded firearms from her without utilizing force. The woman was taken into protective custody. The incident resolved with no injuries to the woman or to BPD staff.
– Bellingham Police Department (May 6, 2024)