BLAINE, Wash. — Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to a report of unsafe shooting in the 3800 block of Bay Road about 6:30pm on Monday, May 30th, after residents in the area reported rounds were flying over their heads.
According to WSCO Spokesperson Deb Slater, a witness took down the license plate of the suspect vehicle which led deputies to a suspect identified as Michael Robert Gubser, age 31, of Blaine. Deputies located Gubser in his vehicle in the 8400 block of Harborview Rd and attempted to stop him. Instead of stopping, Gubser drove off.
Slater said deputies watched him drive off the road into a grass field where his vehicle became stuck in the mud. A perimeter was set up around a wooded area between Harborview Road, Anderson Road, Shintaffer Road, and Lincoln Road to prevent Gubser from leaving the area.
About 1:15am, What-Comm 911 call receivers took a call from a resident in the 5000 block of Lincoln Road reporting a man on the property.
Deputies were dispatched and subsequently located Gubser hiding in a lean-to shed. Gubser was not cooperative when deputies attempted to take him into custody so less lethal tactics were utilized to gain compliance. A search of Gubser’s vehicle uncovered 3 firearms.
Gubser was booked into Whatcom County Jail for 2 counts of 1st degree unlawful possession of a firearm, eluding a police vehicle, 2nd degree burglary, reckless endangerment and 2 counts of resisting arrest. It was also discovered Gubser is a fugitive out of California. It is not immediately known what charge or charges he is facing in California.
Gubser has prior felony convictions for 2nd degree robbery and 1st degree unlawful possession of a firearm.