It was a week that showed the full spectrum of what local law enforcement handles: a solemn community walk to honor missing and murdered Indigenous women, a multi-agency operation to bring a murder suspect into custody, a mental health crisis on a Bellingham overpass, and routine patrol catches turned into serious felony arrests. The Bellingham Police Department released its weekly roundup covering May 7 through May 13, marking National Police Week in the process.
On May 7, BPD officers and employees walked alongside members of the Lummi Nation for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIWP) Awareness Walk. Officers were welcomed by Lummi Indian Business Council Chairman Tony Hillaire and Vice-Chairman Terrance Adams, along with members of Lummi Victims of Crime. The walk is part of a growing national effort to bring attention to the disproportionate rates of violence and disappearance affecting Indigenous women and girls. Washington State has seen significant legislative and investigative attention on the issue in recent years, and local law enforcement participation signals continued commitment to tribal community partnership.
The following day, May 8, proved especially active. K-9 Officer Rudy and his handler were requested to assist Ferndale Police Department, Lummi Nation Police Department, and the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office in tracking down a murder suspect. Both K-9 Rudy and K-9 Echo from Lummi Nation PD were deployed during the search. The suspect was captured and a firearm was also located as evidence. BPD credited both dogs and their handlers for the successful operation.
Also on May 8, BPD's patrol division worked alongside Washington State Patrol, WSDOT, Bellingham Fire Department, Bellingham Parks and Recreation, and Bellingham Public Works to respond to a person in crisis on Sunset Drive. The incident temporarily closed the nearby freeway interchange, a disruption visible to anyone commuting through that corridor. BPD reported the individual is now receiving the help they need, a resolution officers described as a positive outcome given the circumstances.
With May 11-17 marking National Police Week across the United States, departments pause to recognize officers killed in the line of duty. Names of officers lost in 2025 will be read at the candlelight vigil held in Washington D.C. on Wednesday evening. The Officer Down Memorial Page tracks tributes nationally, with Washington State officers listed among those being honored.
In the early morning hours of May 11, BPD patrol responded to a serious assault on Harbor Loop, the waterfront road running alongside Bellingham Bay near the downtown marina. Officers arrived quickly enough that the suspect was still at the scene and was taken into custody immediately. The victim was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. BPD did not release further details on the nature of the assault or the identities of those involved.
On May 12, a BPD bike officer was actively looking for an individual with probable cause for possession of a stolen bicycle. When the officer located the subject, they found not one but two stolen bikes on the person, along with 20 grams of methamphetamine. The individual was booked into Whatcom County Jail with additional charges pending. Bike patrols are a regular part of BPD's downtown and waterfront coverage, particularly as warmer weather brings more activity to Bellingham's trails and greenways.
Looking ahead, BPD continues to encourage residents to report suspicious activity and work with officers proactively. Community members can reach the non-emergency line for the department or submit tips online. The department's Facebook page, where this weekly summary was posted, remains an active channel for updates between formal press releases.
National Police Week runs through May 17. Local memorial events and tributes may be posted through community channels and the department's social media throughout the week.
