Screengrab from the BodyCam footage of Suspect in Police CarPhoto byCity of Bellingham

BELLINGHAM, WA – Bellingham Metro News (BMN) has officially obtained body worn camera footage from the Bellingham Police Department (BPD) showing the arrest of a suspect involved in an alleged hate crime near Whatcom Middle School. The incident, which took place in late June, has garnered significant attention. The now-viral video was uploaded to the BMN YouTube channel on July 23, 2024, titled "BodyCam: Regrettable Outburst During Arrest - Charged with Hate Crime." Viewer discretion is advised due to the strong language used in the footage.

Original Incident Recap:

According to a BMN inquiry, the Bellingham Police Department is investigating an alleged hate crime that occurred on June 12, 2024.

The incident took place on the 500 block of Grand Avenue when a group of middle school students and school staff were walking on the sidewalk. Mr. Paul Bittner, who was walking on the opposite side of the street, suddenly crossed over and joined the group. Without any provocation, Bittner allegedly pushed a student and made a comment similar to, “Are you gonna talk to a White man like that?” He then reportedly struck a child in the face with a closed fist.

School staff who witnessed the assault immediately intervened and called law enforcement while also going to the front door of the nearby Bellingham Police Department. They quickly secured the child and removed him from the assailant’s vicinity. The child, described as a pre-teen of color, did not know Bittner and had no prior interactions with him.

BPD officers, provided with a detailed description of the suspect, located Bittner nearby. During the interview, Bittner reportedly used derogatory language regarding African Americans and allegedly suggested that people should assault them. Officers established probable cause to arrest Bittner for malicious harassment (hate crime) and assault of a child in the second degree.

Legal Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. - The BodyCam Footage was obtained through City of Bellingham, Bellingham Police Department Public Records.