WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A competency hearing has been ordered for a Bellingham man in Whatcom County Superior Court after he was arrested September 23, 2025, suspected of arson, assault and eluding law enforcement.
According to documents file with the court, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies were dispatched to a northeast Bellingham address on September 23, 2025, about 9am after reports were received that 2 people had been sprayed in the face with bear or pepper spray.
The suspect then reportedly lit a contractor’s van parked at the residence on fire and left driving a pickup. A description of the pickup was broadcast to local law enforcement. The van was fully involved when deputies arrive and Bellingham Fire Department personnel were dispatched.
The pickup was able to be tracked using a smartphone app. Lynden Police Department officers located the pickup being driven near Thiel Road and Abbot Road and attempted unsuccessful PIT maneuvers as the pickup left the road and, in one case, struck a patrol vehicle, and, in another, struck a civilian’s vehicle.
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Officers were reportedly able to stop the pickup by pinning it in between patrol vehicles and the suspect was taken into custody.
The 30-year-old man was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail. He currently faces the following felony charges in court.
- 2nd-degree arson
- 2 counts 2nd-degree assault with a poisonous substance
- Attempting to elude police vehicle
On September 29, 2025, an order for a competency evaluation was signed by the court. A capacity or competency to stand trial hearing is scheduled for October 16, 2025.
As of October 3, 2025, the suspect remained in custody pending being able to post a $150,000 bond or $50,000 cash bail.
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