Bellingham Police seek suspect with history of recklessly fleeing officers

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Police Department (BPD) officials are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a suspect in 31 property, identity and vehicle theft and other crimes.

The suspect has been identified as Brandon Maurice Thompson, age 28. He is described as 6-foot 2-inches tall, weighing about 280 pounds and likely with blue color at the tips of his hair.

In addition to asking the public’s assistance, BPD officials say they are asking Thompson to peacefully turn himself in.

It is imperative that Mr. Thompson turn himself in rather than continue to put the public at substantial risk by fleeing BPD and WSP in stolen cars, even when they terminate the pursuit.

Advertisement
Click for more information

Advertisement
Click for more information

Bellingham Police Department (June 7, 2022)

BPD officials provided the following instances where they have found probable cause for Thompson’s arrest.

April 10th – Thompson was recorded on video while driving a stolen car to a hotel. Fingerprints inside the car identified him as the driver. Probable cause to arrest was found for possession of a stolen vehicle

April 11th – A vehicle prowl report was investigated where an iPad and credit cards were taken. The iPad was located at a hotel (where the stolen vehicle from April 10th was found.) Credit cards were used at several stores to make over $1,000 in purchases while 5 other cards were declined. Thompson was identified via store video surveillance. Probable cause to arrest was found for theft, vehicle prowl and identify theft.

April 14th – A vehicle prowl report was investigated where $2,000 worth of tools were taken. Thompson was identified and seen taking the tools via video surveillance. Probable cause to arrest was found for theft and vehicle prowl.

April 23rd – BPD officers attempted to stop a Honda Civic identified as stolen and the driver fled. Officers terminated their pursuit due to the driver’s recklessness, including driving into oncoming lanes of travel. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies were called to a residence on another call where they learned Thompson was the driver who fled BPD and he had a 6-year-old in the car at the time. When the car was located, stolen credit cards were found inside. Probable cause to arrest was found for possession of stolen car, reckless endangerment, eluding, possession of stolen property and possession of stolen ID.

May 7th – A vehicle prowl report was investigated where credit cards were stolen. It was discovered the cards were used to purchase items the next day. Thompson is seen driving away in a stolen Honda Prelude on store video surveillance. Later the same day he returned, and a store employee called 911. An officer arrives as Thompson is leaving in a stolen Honda Civic. The officer attempted to block Thompson’s exit but he “squeezes by and flees” … “racing from the parking lot.” The officer did not pursue. Probable cause to arrest was found for 2 counts of possession of stolen vehicle, identity theft and theft.

June 5th – A Washington State Patrol trooper recognizes Thompson driving a stolen Honda Civic. The trooper attempts a traffic stop and Thompson fled at 80mph, passing cars using a turn lane and driving into oncoming traffic. Probable cause to arrest was found for possession of a stolen vehicle and eluding.

BPD officials say WCSO has also found probable cause to arrest Thompson for vehicle theft and malicious mischief and The Skagit County Sheriff’s Office has a current felony arrest warrant for Thompson.

According to BPD, Thompson is currently a suspect for the following crimes.

• 5 counts of possession of stolen vehicle
• 2 counts attempting to elude (including 1 with a 6-year-old in the car)
• 6 counts of identity theft
• 1 count of vehicle theft
• 2 counts theft 2nd degree
• 1 count of 2nd degree possession of stolen property
• 1 count reckless endangerment DV
• 2 counts 2nd degree vehicle prowl
• 5 counts of 3rd degree theft
• 1 count of malicious mischief
• 5 counts of 3rd degree attempted theft

Though we prefer for Mr. Thompson to turn himself in on his own accord, if you have relevant information on Mr. Thompson’s whereabouts or any of the cases, you can contact BPD in the following ways:

Email Tipline: www.cob.org/tips
Phone Tipline: 360-778-8611Bellingham Police Department (June 7, 2022)

Thompson has prior felony convictions for burglary, assault, possession of stolen property and theft. He is currently out of custody after posting bail while awaiting trial in 3 cases in Whatcom County Superior Court on 2 counts of unlawful possession of a firearm and 2 counts of possession of a stolen vehicle.