Ferndale man charged with 2nd-degree assault following downtown Bellingham fight

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Police Department officers responded to the 1300 block of Railroad Avenue on April 18, 2026, at about 12:15am following a report of 2 males fighting among a group of 6 people. Officers reported finding Chief Harold Leland Saluskin-Pitt, 21, of Ferndale, stomping on the head of a male victim who was unconscious on the ground. Saluskin-Pitt was detained and stated he was defending himself.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, traffic camera footage showed Saluskin-Pitt and the victim arguing and pushing one another before Saluskin-Pitt placed the victim in a headlock. After an initial fight ended, Saluskin-Pitt is seen on camera charging at and attacking the victim while the victim attempted to run away. The footage showed Saluskin-Pitt punching the victim about 20 times and stomping on his head. Medical personnel indicated the victim sustained a life-threatening injury.

Saluskin-Pitt was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail.

Saluskin-Pitt appeared in Whatcom County Superior Court on April 20, 2026, for a preliminary appearance. The court found probable cause for a felony charge of 2nd-degree assault with substantial bodily harm. Saluskin-Pitt entered a plea of not guilty to the charge. The court set bail at $50,000 or a $5,000 cash alternative.

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As of April 23, 2026, Saluskin-Pitt remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail.

Saluskin-Pitt was previously charged with felony assault following a 2024 incident. But that charge was dismissed.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, on January 4, 2024, about 4am, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a physical domestic incident in the 1700 block of Matz Road. A witness reported that a man had been stabbed. Deputies located a victim with blood on his clothing and 6 stab wounds, one of which punctured a lung. The victim told deputies he woke up at about 3am to find Saluskin-Pitt inside a barn the victim was renting. The victim stated Saluskin-Pitt appeared intoxicated and stabbed him multiple times with a 3-inch knife.

Saluskin-Pitt was arrested and booked into the jail. On March 12, 2026, Whatcom County Superior Court signed an order dismissing charges of 1st-degree assault and 1st-degree burglary against him. The dismissal was without prejudice. The Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office filed a motion to dismiss on March 11, 2026, stating the prosecution was unable to locate the victim. According to the motion, the victim may no longer be in the United States.