Blaine man arrested after seven-hour standoff on Mitchell Avenue

A 35-year-old Blaine man suspected of nine domestic violence offenses was arrested after a seven-hour standoff with law enforcement on Mitchell Avenue in Blaine the morning of Friday, August 9. 

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) had probable cause to arrest Tristen Scott Alexander, 35, for burglary, harassment, assault, stalking, unlawful imprisonment, violating a domestic violence protection order, reckless endangerment, tampering with a witness and disclosing intimate images, with potentially additional charges as the investigation continues, according to a WCSO news release. Alexander was booked into jail after being treated for minor injuries related to the standoff. 

On May 30, Blaine Police Department arrested Alexander for allegedly sending a threatening photo to a person known to Alexander. A no contact order was put between Alexander and the woman when he was released from jail on July 22. Despite the no-contact order, the woman reported unwanted contact, including sightings by her house and work. 

On July 29, Alexander allegedly violated the no-contact order, threatened the woman, forced himself into her residence and physically assaulted her, according to the WCSO. Alexander allegedly followed the woman to a gas station after she escaped. The woman also told Blaine police Alexander threatened to share intimate photos and tamper with testimony.

On August 9, WCSO tried to contact Alexander at his home in the 1100 block of Mitchell Avenue and, after not being able to communicate, a judge authorized a search warrant and SWAT and crisis negotiators were brought to the scene. Blaine Police Department announced at 6:49 a.m. on Facebook that it had blocked Mitchell Avenue, from Cherry to Alder streets.

WCSO, Blaine Police Department, Bellingham Police Department and Lynden Police Department secured the perimeter of a residence. The Northern Light observed a Bellingham PD armored vehicle parked outside the residence and a drone enter the house. A reporter observed the armored vehicle break a few windows and less lethal and chemical munitions be used.

At least six personnel, some with long guns, responded and residents were asked to remain inside. The Northern Light was on scene from 9:30 a.m. until Alexander left the home. 

Deb Slater, spokesperson for the WCSO, wrote in an email at 11 a.m. that SWAT and crisis negotiators were on the scene working toward a peaceful resolution. The public is advised to avoid the area, she wrote.

“If you are near the area and feel you need an escort out, please call 911,” Slater wrote.

The WCSO took Alexander into custody about 12:08 p.m. Friday, August 9. Mitchell Avenue remained blocked about 12:28 p.m. 

Blaine PD directed an information request to WCSO, saying Blaine PD was assisting the sheriff’s office.

This article will be updated as more information is available.

Louise Mugar contributed to the reporting of this article.