Deputy injured in accidental firearm discharge

A Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputy was transported to St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham for non-life-threatening injuries after a firearm accidentally discharged while conducting an arrest on February 11.

WCSO deputies responded to assist Lynden Police Department with a 52-year-old Blaine man who fled after brandishing a firearm in the 8000 block of Guide Meridian, according to a WCSO news release. The suspect was then pulled over and taken into custody without incident.

After the arrest, a firearm that was recovered was accidentally discharged, injuring a deputy, according to the WCSO. The deputy has since been released from the hospital.

The Bellingham Police Department is investigating how the firearm was accidentally discharged. The WCSO declined to provide additional information, citing the ongoing investigation.

Lynden Police Department booked the man into Whatcom County Jail for second-degree assault, third-degree malicious mischief and third-degree theft.

“Every day our deputies stand between harm and the community we are sworn to serve,” wrote Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley in a statement. “While there is always a risk to deputies, events like today’s are unfortunate. We are grateful the deputy’s injuries are not worse, and wish them a full and swift recovery. We are thankful to our brothers and sisters in law enforcement who were so quick to respond to support our deputy.”