Police News and Events

BPD responded to three separate instances of gunfire on a single day on 8-15-2021. Our patrol division did an outstanding job of responding, getting the scenes blocked off and working the cases safely and swiftly. BPD Detectives and CSI's have been working tirelessly continuing their expert investigations to put together the cases for prosecution in the latter two incidents listed here.

Incident 1 - Gunfire heard in the 4100 block of Meridian, one casing found, no other evidence.

Incident 2 - gunfire heard in the 300 block of Cedar St with witnesses hearing an argument and then someone being shot inside a vehicle. A victim of the shooting later showed up at the ER and needed surgery for non-life-threatening injuries. BPD Detectives are investigating this case. Contact cob.org/tips if you have any information to assist in solving this case.

Incident 3 - gunfire in the 2700 block of W. Maplewood. Over 70 callers to 9-1-1, officers located 25+ rifle casings (.300 Blackout casings) in the road. Patrol officers did a tremendous job investigating the case, walking around looking for further evidence and any possible gunshot victims. We are so grateful no one was hurt due to this reckless drive-by shooting.
Officers found a white Dodge Durango with a male getting out of the passenger side. He denied knowing what was going on. Further investigation led patrol officers to surveillance video which identified a white Dodge Durango as being involved. They went back to the white Durango and looked inside the windows. They saw a pistol partially hidden under the center console and shell casings inside, matching those found on the road.
Soon, the same male contacted earlier, identified as Guillermo Vieyra Salas, came from an apartment with the Durango keys in his hand. He was detained and arrested for Drive-By Shooting and booked into the jail, and the Durango was seized as evidence.
BPD Detectives were assigned the case, applied for and were granted a search warrant for the Durango. This search revealed the following evidence (among other items):

- A Noveske short-barreled rifle chambered in .300 Blackout – this weapon was discovered to be stolen in a burglary reported to Sedro Woolley PD
- A Smith and Wesson pistol found sticking out of the center console (as the officer saw it on the night of the drive-by shooting)
- A multitude of .300 Blackout ammunition, along with a spent casing.
- Three 45 round magazines, loaded full of .300 Blackout ammunition
- Three 30 round magazines, loaded full of .300 Blackout ammunition

Probable cause for the additional charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (two counts) and Possession of a Stolen Firearm was developed and served on Vieyra Salas in the Whatcom County Jail where he is housed, in lieu of $400,000.00 bail.

To read more see The Bellingham Herald article here: https://bit.ly/3k9PPbb
KGMI News/Talk 790 story - https://bit.ly/3j1E6fs ... See more

We are so pleased to introduce our latest group of newly minted police officers to you! All were sworn in as Bellingham Police Officers by Municipal Court Judge Lev and will be heading to the police academy and the field training program soon.

Bellingham Police Chief Flo Simon then spoke to the group and passed on some wise words about always remembering the joy, excitement, and importance of this day - when their badge was bestowed upon them. She implored the whole group to lean on that feeling during some of the tough days sure to be ahead, but never lose the desire to make a difference and show their commitment. With a huge smile on her face, she also reminded them all that 30+ years can go by in the blink of an eye!

Meet the newest group of officers:

Eric Weber, Badge #321, comes from a military family where his father retired after 26 years in the Air Force. He graduated from Whatcom CC with an AA in criminal justice and then from WWU with a BA in sociology. Officer Weber worked as a security guard for 6 years before being hired. He enjoys hiking and is looking forward to serving our community as it has been his childhood dream to be a police officer.

Kevin McLaughlin, Badge #322, grew up in the Skagit Valley, is an Eagle Scout and attended SVCC for nursing/criminal justice. He was hired by the Washington State Patrol in 2018 and served with them until being hired by the Skagit County Sheriff’s Office as a corrections deputy, where he has worked for the past 2 years. Officer McLaughlin’s hobbies include mountain biking, rock climbing and mountaineering.

Sean Rita, Badge #324, grew up in Burien, WA and has been playing soccer since the age of six. He was a Seattle Police Explorer in high school. He went on to graduate from WWU with a degree in political science in 2018. Officer Rita spends his off-time hiking, traveling, and watching documentaries.

Elisabeth Marra, Badge #325, is looking forward to the challenges and learning ahead, as well as the opportunity to serve this community.

Brittany Bille, Badge #326, moved from Colorado to fulfill her dream of living on the coast. She graduated from the University of Colorado with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and a minor in sociology. She has worked as a Volunteer Probation Officer, High School Volleyball coach and a bartender. Officer Bille grew up with triplet younger brothers and loves to ski, camp, hike, read and complete puzzles. She has been involved in fundraising in her hometown and is looking forward to giving back to her new community here in Bellingham. She is very excited to be near the water and start enjoying kayaking and exploring the San Juan's.

Welcome to the family! 💙

Pictured from l to r: Chief Simon, Officer Weber, Officer McLaughlin, Officer Rita, Officer Marra and Officer Bille. ... See more

Bellingham Police Patrol Officers, Crime Scene Investigators, and Detectives worked with the Bellingham Fire Department to investigate an arson at a house in the 1100 block of Billy Frank Jr. Street. Outstanding teamwork resulted in the fire being put out, no injuries to any residents and a swift and thorough investigation leading to an arrest later that day. Check out the The Bellingham Herald article below for more information. ... See more