The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) was seen taking a man into custody at 12:08 p.m. Friday, August 9 after an incident involving domestic violence drew a large law enforcement presence on Mitchell Avenue in Blaine.
The incident has closed a section of Mitchell Avenue for about six hours and counting during the morning of Friday, August 9. The road remained blocked as of 12:28 p.m.
Deb Slater, spokesperson for the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (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.
WCSO, Blaine Police Department and Bellingham Police Department have secured the perimeter of a residence in the 1100 block of Mitchell Avenue. The Northern Light observed a Bellingham PD armored vehicle parked outside the residence and a drone entered the house. A reporter observed the armored vehicle break a few windows and what appeared to be a smoke grenade used.
A photo on social media showed at least six personnel, some with long guns, and residents commented they had been asked to remain inside.
The Northern Light reached out to the Blaine Police Department and the WCSO for more information. Blaine PD directed the information request to WCSO, saying Blaine PD was assisting the sheriff’s office.
Blaine Police Department blocked Mitchell Avenue, from Cherry to Alder streets, the department posted at 6:49 a.m. on Facebook.
This article will be updated as more information is available.
Louise Mugar contributed to the reporting of this article.
Video by Louise Mugar
Tristan Alexander, 35, is led out of a home in handcuffs and into a WCSO squad car at roughly 12:08 p.m. after an hours-long standoff with law enforcement.
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