FERNDALE, Wash. — On 08/21/2023, at about 4:39 pm, Ferndale Police were dispatched to the 6200 block of Oakview Place on Monday, August 21st, about 4:40pm due to reports of a domestic disturbance. A man was reported to be intoxicated and “tearing up” a residence where he lives with other family members.
According to information provided by the Ferndale Police Department, upon arriving, officers observed broken glass and could hear the man damaging property inside. They also learned that the man’s daughter was in the home alone with the man.
When officers entered the residence to get the daughter to safety, the man confronted officers by spitting on them and threatening to kill them. Officers spent over 10 minutes in an attempt to de-escalate the situation, but man continued to yell and threaten to kill officers.
While the officers were speaking to Aponte, he advanced on the officers and punched 1 in the head. Officers responded by using control tactics to place the man in a prone position and took him into custody.
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Click for more informationWhatcom County Fire District 7 personnel transport the man to PeaceHealth St Joseph’s Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries.
The man, identified as Orlando Luis Aponte, Jr, age 28, was later booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
An officer sustained minor injuries during the incident.
Property damage was estimated to be in excess of $5,000 and it was reported that a family member had been assaulted prior to the officers’ arrival.
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Click for more informationAponte is currently facing the following charges in Whatcom County Superior Court.
- 3 counts of 3rd-degree assault on a law enforcement officer (felony)
- 1st-degree malicious mischief with damage exceeding $5,000 (felony)
- Unlawful imprisonment (felony)
- 4th-degree assault (gross misdemeanor)
Aponte made a preliminary appearance in court on August 22nd. Prosecutors requested bail be set at $50,000 and the defense requested he be released under his own recognizance. The court set bail at $20,000 bond or $2,000 cash.
As of August 23rd, Aponte remained in custody in the jail pending being able to post bail. An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for September 1st.