Bellingham woman facing attempted-murder charge against relative after stabbing reported

Police arrested a Bellingham woman Friday, Sept. 13 on suspicion of attempted murder following an incident with a family member.

The incident occurred at a home on Donovan Avenue, and the family member was able to leave the house and get help from a neighbor, according to Megan Peters with the Bellingham Police Department.

Caroline Dietzgen, 40, allegedly stabbed an adult family member without warning around 12:48 p.m. Friday, Peters said. When the family member left, she barricaded herself in one of the rooms and caused self harm.

Bellingham police entered the home and were able to get a knife out of Dietzgen’s hands. First responders then provided her with medical attention on scene before taking her to St. Joseph Medical Center. The family member was also hospitalized.

Dietzgen was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, first-degree assault and criminal attempt. When she was medically cleared by the hospital, she was taken to Whatcom County Jail where she remains in custody.

No information regarding the victim’s condition was provided.