WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Scott Richard Baker, age 53, charged with suspicion of 1st degree attempted murder, has been determined by the court to be able to understand the nature of the proceedings and assist in his defense.
Baker’s case has been stalled in the court since his preliminary hearing on July 16, 2021, while awaiting a competency evaluation ordered by the court on July 22, 2021. As a result, he has yet had an arraignment hearing where he can enter his plea.
Court documents dated March 3rd cite reports from a licensed psychologist as the basis for the court’s decision.
The attempted murder charge stems from a shooting that occurred on July 15, 2021, after a man was found shot at a residence on Mount Baker Highway. Baker was located attempting to flee via Valley Highway near Acme. WCSO arrested and booked Baker into Whatcom County Jail charged with suspicion of 1st degree attempted murder along with eluding and misdemeanor hit and run.
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Click for more informationBaker also faces felony attempting to elude a police vehicle and misdemeanor hit and run charges.
An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for March 11th.
As of March 9th, Baker remains in custody pending being able to provide a $1,000,000 bond.
On February 17th, the shooting victim, Wade Ray Dickerson, age 55, was charged with 2 counts of suspicion of bribe receiving by a witness, a class B felony after a family member of Bakers contacted law enforcement and reported Dickerson reportedly asked for $150,000 and in return would say that Baker did not shoot him. No money was said to have been provided.
As of March 9th, Dickerson remains in custody pending being able to provide a $50,000 bond.