Blaine Man Charged with Attempted Murder; Drove victim to Bellingham hospital

Sheriff VehiclePhoto byWhatcom County Sheriffs Office

BLAINE WASHINGTON - A Blaine man has been arrested and charged with attempted murder following an alleged assault that left a victim with significant injuries, requiring their transfer to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The suspect, a 43-year-old Blaine resident, is currently being held at Whatcom County Jail on charges of attempted murder in the second degree (domestic violence) and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree. The arrest followed an initial detainment on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI).

The incident began in the early hours of Tuesday, August 20, when Bellingham Police officers were called to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center at approximately 3:40 a.m. Hospital security had alerted police after allegedly attempting to detain the suspect, who had reportedly dropped off a bloodied individual and was trying to leave the premises. According to authorities, the suspect allegedly admitted to consuming drugs and alcohol and was subsequently arrested for DUI.

During questioning, the suspect allegedly confessed to assaulting the victim at a Blaine residence with the intent to kill. However, at some point, he claimed to have "had a change of heart" and decided to drive the victim to the hospital's Emergency Department.

Following the suspect’s statements, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the Blaine address, where they reportedly found evidence of a serious assault. After obtaining search warrants, deputies allegedly discovered a gun safe containing two firearms. It was later determined that the suspect is a convicted felon and is prohibited from possessing firearms.

The victim was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center on Tuesday morning for treatment of the injuries sustained in the alleged assault. The suspect remains in custody, awaiting further legal proceedings.

*Legal Note: All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.