Deputies Arrest Blaine Man After Seven-Hour Standoff in Whatcom

Image of the incident on August 9Photo byWashington State Bodycam

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA - On August 2, deputies received a report regarding an alleged assault involving Tristen Alexander, 35, and an individual known to him. On May 30, Mr. Alexander was arrested by the Blaine Police Department for allegedly sending a threatening photo to the victim.

Following his release from jail on July 22, a no-contact order was issued between Mr. Alexander and the victim. However, the victim reported multiple instances of unwanted contact, including texts and sightings of Mr. Alexander's vehicle near the victim’s residence and workplace.

The victim said that on July 29, Mr. Alexander violated the no-contact order, threatened them, forced himself into their residence and physically assaulted them. The victim managed to escape and flee to a nearby gas station, where Mr. Alexander allegedly followed them.

The victim reported additional allegations, including threats to share intimate photos and tamper with their testimony in the Blaine Police Department’s case.

WCSO deputies obtained probable cause to charge Mr. Alexander with multiple offenses, including burglary, harassment, assault, stalking, and unlawful imprisonment.

On August 9, deputies attempted to contact Mr. Alexander at his residence in Blaine. He refused to communicate. A search warrant was authorized. SWAT and crisis negotiators were deployed due to the severity of the charges and Mr. Alexander’s potential access to firearms.

After a seven-hour standoff, less lethal and chemical munitions were utilized. Mr. Alexander was located hiding inside the residence and taken into custody. He was treated for minor injuries and booked into the Whatcom County Jail for Burglary 1st degree DV, Felony Order violation DV, Felony Harassment DV, Assault 3rd DV, Stalking DV, Reckless Endangerment DV, Disclosing Intimate Images DV, Tampering with a Witness DV, and Unlawful Imprisonment DV.

The investigation is ongoing and additional charges against Mr. Alexander are pending.

Multiple agencies assisted in the operation, including the Blaine Police Department, Bellingham Police Department and Lynden Police Department. Homeland Security Investigations provided tactical robots for this incident.

Note: This information was obtained from Whtacom County Sheriffs Office. All Suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of Law.