Details released regarding shots fired incident at Bellingham apartment complex

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Details regarding an incident that occurred early Sunday, April 24th and reported on yesterday have been released today, Monday, April 25th, by the Bellingham Police Department (BPD).

BPD Spokesperson Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told Whatcom News via email while BPD officers were onsite responding to a noise complaint in the 800 block of Viking Circle about 11:55pm, April 23rd, when they noticed people running and shouting. As the officers approached, they saw a male pull out a handgun and fire it into the air several times.

The officers took cover and requested additional officers respond. Additional officers arriving on scene saw 2 males fighting, they were told 1 may have injuries from a gunshot. Officers stopped the fight and check to see if anyone had a gunshot wound which they discovered no one did.

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There were several folks injured from what looked to be physical fights, but no one with a gunshot was located as of this point. Officers are still investigating this case and no specific suspect information is available at this point. Bellingham Police Department via email (April 25, 2022)

1 of the 2 males fighting was later identified as Jayden D. Nilsen, age 18, of Everson. Nilsen was told by officers repeatedly to either leave the area or stay in one spot for medics to assess leg pain which was the result of reportedly falling down concrete stairs. Nilsen did neither and was seen punching the dirt ground in a flower bed and then the sidewalk with his fists. He was uncooperative with the medics and wandered away while shouting at them.

Nilsen made his way around the building where crime scene investigators were working the scene associated with the shots being fired. He was repeatedly told not to enter the crime scene, or he be arrested. He refused and said officers could not do anything as he came under the crime scene tape and was arrested by 2 officers. He physically resisted their efforts to put handcuffs on him had to be pushed onto his stomach for the officers to secure him in handcuffs. He then refused to walk on his own and was carried to the patrol car. He was taken to the Whatcom County Jail and charged with suspicion of resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, obstructing law enforcement and minor in possession of intoxicating liquor.

Murphy said that while there were several persons injured from what looked to be physical fights, no one with a gunshot wound has been located. BPD officers are still investigating this case and no specific suspect information is available at this point.

Murphy says anyone who has information or witnessed or has video of the incidents is asked to contact the BPD.