MAPLE FALLS, Wash. — Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to the 6200 block of Bellwood Drive in Maple Falls about 4:30pm on Friday, October 6th, due to multiple reports of shots fired.
WCSO spokesperson Deb Slater told Whatcom News via email that deputies first responded to report of a man with a gun and shortly after they began receiving reports of shots being fired at a house and bullet holes were visible.
WCSO deputies and other law enforcement agencies responded, including Bellingham Police Department’s armored “Bearcat” vehicle and Sumas Police Department’s drone. A K-9 unit also responded.
Residents of the house reportedly had confronted the shooter in their driveway after he was observed slashing a tire on a vehicle. The subject left on foot after firing several shots.
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Click for more informationNo one was reported injured in the shooting.
The K-9 unit tracked and located a suspect who witnesses confirmed was the shooter.
Matthew Alan Bentley, age 37, was booked into the jail about 8:30pm charged with suspicion of 2nd-degree attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and malicious mischief according to jail records.
Bentley has prior felony convictions for controlled substances possession and assault.