WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — First responders were dispatched to a report of a gunshot victim at a Mount Baker Highway residence in east Whatcom County today, July 15th, around 4pm.
According to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), the victim was transported to PeaceHealth St Joseph’s Medical Center with life threatening injuries. Using information provided by witnesses, WCSO deputies began searching the area for the fleeing suspect vehicle.
A WCSO deputy located the suspect vehicle near Acme as it was heading south on Valley Highway (SR9). The deputy activated his vehicle’s lights and siren and pursued the suspect vehicle as it continued south and then turned west on Park Road.
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Click for more informationA Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) was deployed by deputies. The suspect evaded the technique and made a U-turn on Park Road and got back on Valley Highway southbound toward the Whatcom-Skagit County line.
Skagit County law enforcement had been notified and were waiting, reportedly with spike strips at the ready. Prior to reaching the Skagit County deputies, another PIT was initiated by WCSO deputies. This technique was successful and the suspect vehicle spun out into a field and the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
WCSO booked Scott Richard Baker, age 53, into Whatcom County Jail about 7:30pm charged with suspicion of 1st degree attempted murder.
This is the second person arrested for suspicion of attempted murder in Whatcom County this week. Pavel Vasilchenko was booked into the Whatcom County Jail by WCSO Tuesday, July 13th charged with suspicion of 1st degree attempted murder.
This story was updated at 9:25pm with information provided by WCSO.