David Rasbach
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Articles by David Rasbach
MIL-OSI USA: I-90/SR 18 interchange improvements benefit cars, trucks - and fish
Source: Washington State News 2 By David Rasbach and Kathy Mulady If you’ve traveled through the Interstate 90/State Route 18 interchange near the city of Snoqualmie recently, you may have noticed construction on the east side of the interchange. Crews are diligently building walls beneath the I-90 bridge decks, some of which will stand 20 feet tall. Most of the I-90/SR 18 interchange project is designed to improve traffic flow and safety for locals, commuters and freight.
Canadian man sentenced after CBP seizes nearly $65 million of meth off boat in Salish Sea
A Canadian man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to smuggle nearly $65 million worth of methamphetamine from the U.S. into Canada using an 18-foot speedboat through the Salish Sea. Ted Karl Faupel, 51 of Alberta, was sentenced Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Seattle after he was found May 25 in an 18-foot Bayliner Capri in the San Juan Islands, according to a news release Tuesday, Oct. 11, from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Washington.
‘Be like Bob’ friends say of Whatcom motorcyclist killed last month in Skagit County crash Original
Those who knew him and loved him most were left lost and heartbroken, but 64-year-old Whatcom County resident Bob Bray was in his happy place last month right before he died in a motorcycle crash. Bray was fatally injured Sept. 25 along Highway 20 in Skagit County after the motorcycle he was riding was reportedly struck by another that had run a red light at the intersection with Bayview Edison Road.
Bellingham man suspected of entering woman’s apartment 13 times, sometimes without pants
A Bellingham man is suspected of entering his female neighbor’s apartment without an invitation 13 times last summer, sometimes while naked from the waist down. The Bellingham Police Department booked Robert George Brown, 65, into Whatcom County Jail Sunday, Oct. 9, on suspicion of 13 counts of voyeurism and 13 counts of residential burglary. Jail records show Brown is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Bellingham Man Suspected of Entering Woman's Apartment 13 Times, Sometimes Without Pants
David Rasbach / The Bellingham Herald A Bellingham man is suspected of entering his female neighbor's apartment without an invitation 13 times last summer, sometimes while naked from the waist down. The Bellingham Police Department booked Robert George Brown, 65, into Whatcom County Jail Sunday, Oct. 9, on suspicion of 13 counts of voyeurism and 13 counts of residential burglary. Jail records show Brown is being held in lieu of $20,000 bail.
Canadian Sentenced After Border Patrol Seizes Nearly $65 Million of Meth Off Boat
David Rasbach / The Bellingham Herald A Canadian man was sentenced to 10 years in prison for attempting to smuggle nearly $65 million worth of methamphetamine from the U.S. into Canada using an 18-foot speedboat through the Salish Sea. Ted Karl Faupel, 51 of Alberta, was sentenced Tuesday, Oct. 11, in Seattle after he was found May 25 in an 18-foot Bayliner Capri in the San Juan Islands, according to a release Tuesday, Oct. 11, from the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Washington.
Whatcom resident reportedly shot in foot Sunday by woman demanding her items back
A Whatcom County resident was reportedly shot in the foot Sunday evening by a woman who claimed he or she had stolen items. The Ferndale Police Department booked Bailey Michelle Cargile, 31, into Whatcom County Jail Monday, Oct. 10, on suspicion of first-degree assault. At approximately 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, a resident called 911 and reported being shot, according to information emailed to The Bellingham Herald by city of Ferndale spokesperson Riley Sweeney.
Bellingham woman suspected of attempting to bite store employee during downtown robbery
A Bellingham woman is suspected of attempting to bite the nose of a downtown convenience store employee while stealing a bag of Chex Mix. Bellingham Police booked Sahale Rose Chisholm, 22, into Whatcom County Jail Oct. 3 on suspicion of second-degree robbery, and jail records show Chisholm is being held in lieu of $7,500 bail. Police were called at 7:59 a.m. Oct.
Washington Woman Reportedly Throws Jug Full of urine at Boyfriend During Argument
David Rasbach / The Bellingham Herald A woman reportedly threw a jug of urine at her boyfriend during an argument early Friday in downtown Bellingham. The Bellingham Police Department arrested Lisa Winfred Cable, 52, Friday, Oct. 7, on suspicion of fourth-degree assault (domestic violence), a misdemeanor, according to the department's incident log. Officers were called to the 1000 block of North State Street for the report of an assault, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
Bellingham driver suspected of vehicular homicide, DUI in I-5 crash with pedestrian Friday
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. Drugs or alcohol are suspected in Friday morning’s fatal crash involving a pedestrian along Interstate 5 in Bellingham, and the driver of the car that was involved has been arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide. The identity of the male pedestrian who died at the scene has not been released. The incident occurred at approximately 6:35 a.m. Friday, Oct.
I-5 crash in Bellingham snarls Friday morning commute, backing traffic up to Ferndale Original
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. A crash just north of the Bakerview Road exit in Bellingham has snarled southbound traffic along Interstate 5 during the Friday morning commute, creating a backup that stretches all the way to Ferndale. The Washington State Department of Transportation first tweeted about the crash near milepost 259 at 6:46 a.m. Friday, Oct. 7, reporting that it was blocking the right lane.
Whatcom motorcycle rider dies in hit-and-run crash Thursday on I-5 in Bellingham
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. A 45-year-old Whatcom County man was killed when the motorcycle he was riding on Interstate 5 in Bellingham reportedly collided with another vehicle that left the scene. The cause of the fatal crash remains under investigation as the Washington State Patrol searches for the suspected hit-and-run driver. Joel D.
Police seize 11 firearms, ammo, knives, body armor after Tuesday’s Whatcom motel standoff Original
Ferndale Police confiscated 11 firearms along along with ammunition, knives, a hatchet and body armor following a nearly six-hour standoff with a man at a motel earlier this week. Kenneth Frank Velen was initially booked Tuesday, Oct. 4, into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree assault, but Whatcom County Superior Court documents show he was charged Wednesday, Oct. 5, with second-degree assault. Velen is currently being held in lieu of $200,000 bail.
Blaine Police continue receiving questions about cat attacks, here’s what they found Original
Two weeks after advising residents to bring their cats inside at night, the Blaine Police Department released the results of its investigation into reports of missing cats in the area. “We have seen a lot of conversation and received multiple inquiries about cats being attacked in Blaine,” a Facebook post by the department Thursday, Oct. 6. But the department reported that it has received only two reports of cats that had been attacked this year.
State charges Bellingham chiropractor for allegedly failing to wear a mask in the office Original
The Washington State Department of Health’s Chiropractic Commission has charged a Bellingham chiropractor with unprofessional conduct after his office reportedly violated gubernatorial COVID-19 proclamations requiring masking and proper signage. Michael John Motel, who is the owner and operator of Ascend Chiropractic, was charged Aug. 29, according to a Department of Health release Wednesday, Oct. 5.
Bellingham Police report arresting man for the 68th time Original
The Bellingham Police Department arrested Vaughn Anton Tufts on Sunday, Oct. 3, but that is nothing new — according to the department’s incident log its the 68th time they have arrested him. You didn’t read that wrong . . . 68 times.
Three people and a dog rescued from a sinking boat just west of Whatcom County Original
Three people and a dog were rescued from a sinking boat Tuesday afternoon in waters just west of Whatcom County. Watchstanders at Coast Guard Sector Puget Sound received a report at approximately 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4, that a 57-foot boat was taking on water after striking rocks entering Echo Bay on Sucia Island, according to a Coast Guard news release Wednesday, Oct. 5. A 45-foot Response Boat Medium crew from Coast Guard Station Bellingham was sent to assist those aboard, the release states.
That’s not a Mary Kay Cosmetics car you just sped past — Bellingham Police are going pink Original
Yes, that SUV sure is pretty in pink, but that’s not Molly Ringwald trying to pull you over after you “accidentally” rolled that stop sign. It’s not your local Mary Kay Cosmetics salesperson, either — the Bellingham Police Department has gone pink. The department, which for the past few years has recognized Breast Cancer Awareness by allowing officers to wear pink badges and patches during the month of October, announced Wednesday, Oct.
Troopers reported clocking him doing 114 mph on I-5 in Whatcom ... until he ran out of gas
The Washington State Patrol allegedly clocked a motorcycle that had been reported stolen going 114 mph along Interstate 5 in Whatcom County, then caught up to the rider when he attempted to run after running out of gas. Brett Lee McCauley, 30, was booked Friday, Sept. 30, into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without permission.
Whatcom man allegedly on ‘joy ride’ after release from jail crashes into another car Original
A Whatcom County man reportedly out for a “joy ride” after being released from jail, crashed into another car, sending an 84-year-old woman to the hospital. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office booked Jordan Garth Pickett, 24, into Whatcom County Jail Sunday, Oct. 2, on suspicion of hit and run with an injury, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license and operating a vehicle without a ignition interlock device, and jail records show Pickett is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Troopers Catch Motorcyclist Clocked at 114 MPH on I-5 After He Runs Out of Gas
David Rasbach/ The Bellingham Herald The Washington State Patrol allegedly clocked a motorcycle that had been reported stolen going 114 mph along Interstate 5 in Whatcom County, then caught up to the rider when he attempted to run after running out of gas. Brett Lee McCauley, 30, was booked Friday, Sept. 30, into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of taking a motor vehicle without permission.
46-year-old man arrested after standoff with police at Whatcom County motel Tuesday Original
A 46-year-old man was arrested after a six-hour standoff with police at a Whatcom County motel Tuesday morning. The Ferndale Police Department booked Kenneth Frank Velen into Whatcom County Jail shortly before noon Tuesday, Oct. 4, on suspicion of first-degree assault with a firearm, according to jail records. City of Ferndale spokesperson Riley Sweeney confirmed to The Bellingham Herald in an email that Velen was the man arrested in relation to Tuesday morning’s standoff.
Whatcom County peak in Twin Sisters mountain range gets its official name Original
A peak in Whatcom County’s Twin Sisters mountain range that reportedly did not have a previous name will now be known for the first man on record to summit it. The peak, which is visible along State Route 9 in the Acme area, will now be known as Kloke Peak, The Washington State Board of Natural Resources announced in a news release Tuesday, Oct. 4. Dallas Kloke, an Anacortes mountaineer, completed the first ascent of the peak named in his honor in 1972, according to the release.
Whatcom County motel locked down after man with rifle locks himself in room Tuesday Original
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. A Whatcom County motel and other businesses in the area are on lockdown Tuesday morning after a man with a rifle fled from police, locked himself in a motel room and is refusing to answer police calls. The Ferndale Police Department first reported the incident on social media, saying they were responding to a situation at the intersection of Barrett Road and Main Street.
Upset by being cutoff at Bellingham casino, man allegedly threatens employees with gun Original
After being cut off at a Bellingham sports grill and casino and escorted outside, a Texas man reportedly pulled a gun and threatened two employees. The Bellingham Police Department booked Robert D. Martinez, 25, into Whatcom County Jail Friday, Sept. 30, on suspicion of harassment, carrying a concealed firearm without a permit and carrying a weapon in a prohibited place. Jail records show Martinez was released later Friday on $15,000 bail.
Whatcom man hospitalized with serious injuries after re-entering his burning home Original
A Whatcom County man was hospitalized with serious injuries after he reportedly re-entered his burning home and attempted to extinguish it as fire fighters were en route. North Whatcom Fire and Rescue crews were called at 7:04 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 1, to Popular View Street in Blaine for the report of a structure fire, according to the PulsePoint app.
Did you feel this earthquake that shook in Whatcom County, only miles west of Mount Baker Original
A 2.1-magnitude earthquake struck early Sunday in Whatcom County, less than 17 miles west of Mount Baker’s summit, the U.S. Geological Survey reported. The quake occurred at approximately 4:46 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, according to the USGS, and was centered west of the intersection of State Routes 9 and 542, between the North Fork of the Nooksack River and Rutsatz Road, according to Google Maps. The USGS reported it was 2.2 miles east southeast of Deming and 15.1 miles east northeast of Bellingham.
Man allegedly rams Bellingham Police vehicle, exits with knife demanding officer shoot him Original
A Whatcom County man reportedly rammed the patrol vehicle of a Bellingham Police officer Saturday along Lakeway Drive, got out wielding a knife and shouted for the officer to shoot him. John C. Rupp, 29 of Ferndale, was booked into Whatcom County Jail Saturday, Oct. 1, on suspicion of attempted second-degree assault, DUI and two counts of attempted second-degree malicious mischief. Jail records show Rupp is being held in lieu of $150,000 bail.
Here’s how the Port of Bellingham is responding to increased crime rates in Whatcom County
The Port of Bellingham has installed new security gates that will restrict after hours traffic in response to the rise in local crime rates. The Port announced the new security gates will be operational in the next couple of weeks, in a Facebook post Wednesday, Sept. 28, adding that once operational, the gates will be closed from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. daily.
Bellingham man threatens to shoot ER staff, exposes himself in hospital waiting room Original
A Bellingham man is suspected of threatening to shoot emergency department staff at St. Joseph’s hospital and down his pants and exposing himself to everyone in the waiting room. The Bellingham Police Department booked Christopher Stephen Attwood, 35, into Whatcom County Jail Monday, Sept. 26, on suspicion of felony harassment and indecent exposure, as well as outstanding warrants for second-degree malicious mischief and fourth-degree assault.
Here’s why a film crew was in the skies above Bellingham International Airport this week Original
Bellingham — or at least the skies over Bellingham and the taxiways and terminal at the airport — could soon appear in an advertising campaign. The Port of Bellingham announced in a Facebook post Thursday, Sept. 29, that film crews were at Bellingham International Airport capturing video of the new Gulfstream G700 throughout the Pacific Northwest. “Things you don’t get to see everyday!” the Port’s social media post reads.
Bellingham woman reportedly was shooting at a bird that was chirping loudly outside her van Original
The Bellingham Police Department’s armored vehicle was called to the York neighborhood Wednesday morning after a person reported seeing someone inside a suspected transient van point a handgun in their direction. Police reportedly later found that a woman inside the van pointed a BB gun out the van window to shoot at a bird that was chirping loudly in a nearby bush.
Homeland Security helps seize $1.7 million worth of fentanyl Wednesday in Bellingham Original
A joint law enforcement investigation in Bellingham led to the seizure of nearly $1.7 million worth of fentanyl earlier this week, Homeland Security reported. Homeland Security Investigation Pacific Northwest first reported the seizure of more than eight kilograms of fentanyl in a tweet Wednesday evening, Sept. 28. “It’s hump day which around here is just another day to take 8kgs of #fentanyl off the streets of the #PNW,” the tweet read.
Plan to enjoy Artist Point’s fall colors? This Mount Baker Highway closure will impact when Original
Those wishing to take in the fall colors at Heather Meadows or Artist Point had better do so this weekend, or they’ll have to wait until next weekend. Playing hooky to drive up the Mount Baker Highway during the work week won’t be much of an option. The Washington State Department of Transportation will be fully closing State Route 542 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily from Monday, Oct. 3 through Friday, Oct.
Here’s what the latest Southern Resident killer whale census showed for the past year Original
The number of Southern Resident killer whales decreased by one to 73 in the past year, according to the annual census conducted by the Center for Whale Research. Additionally, the census showed the lowest count for the L pod since the count began in 1976 and K pod sitting at its lowest mark in the past two decades.
It wasn’t food or cash — here’s what a man allegedly stole from a Whatcom grocery store Original
A Des Moines man is suspected of stealing nearly $6,000 in pallets from the loading dock of a Whatcom County grocery store last year and returning to steal even more. Andy Hoang Ha, 52, was booked by the Ferndale Police Department and released Wednesday, Sept. 28, from Whatcom County Jail, and Whatcom County Superior Court records show he has been charged one count of first-degree theft and one count of attempted first-degree theft. Police were called at approximately 11:44 p.m. Jan.
Here’s why a Bellingham man said he allegedly robbed a bank and where the missing $100 went Original
The man suspected of robbing a Bellingham bank last weekend reportedly told police when he was arrested that he was on his way to gamble with the stolen money and had dropped $100 along the way. The Bellingham Police Department booked Isaiah Ezekiel Eraut, 50, into Whatcom County Jail Saturday, Sept. 24, on suspicion of first-degree robbery, and jail records show Eraut is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.
Bellingham WinCo Foods announces it will no longer be open 24 hours a day Original
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. WinCo Foods in Bellingham will no longer be open 24 hours a day, the store announced in a Facebook post on Tuesday, Sept. 27. Beginning Oct. 2, the grocery store at 300 East Bellis Fair Parkway will close between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m. every day, according to the post. “We appreciate everyone’s understanding with the new adjusted store hours,” the post reads.
Whatcom County traffic slowed along southbound I-5 by crash, diesel spill clean up Original
This is a developing story. Check back to bellinghamherald.com for updates. To sign up for breaking news alerts, click here. A crash that caused a diesel spill has slowed southbound traffic Wednesday morning along Interstate 5 in Whatcom County. The Washington State Department of Transportation first reported the crash on Twitter shortly after 5:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 28, just south of Peace Portal Drive (milepost 273), saying that the collision was blocking all lanes.
Bellingham woman allegedly steals from 12-year-old boy, then tries to buy cigarettes
BELLINGHAM — A Bellingham woman is suspected of snatching $20 from a 12-year-old boy and then attempting to use it to purchase cigarettes. The Bellingham Police Department booked Jessica Kelly James, 34, into Whatcom County Jail on Sept. 20 on suspicion of first-degree theft. Jail records show James, who also was arrested on two outstanding criminal trespass warrants, is being held in lieu of $50 cash bail. Officers responded to the downtown area at approximately 5 p.m. on Sept.
Latest Census estimates show how COVID changed where Whatcom County is working
Not surprisingly, the number of Whatcom County residents working primarily from home more than doubled during the two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. Census Bureau data released earlier this month shows. Approximately 16.8% of Whatcom County’s 109,681 workers 16 years and older in 2021 worked from home, according to the latest American Community Survey estimates. That percentage is up from 8.2% in 2019.
Bellingham woman allegedly steals from 12-year-old boy, then tries to buy cigarettes
A Bellingham woman is suspected of snatching $20 from a 12-year-old boy and then attempting to use it to purchase cigarettes. The Bellingham Police Department booked Jessica Kelly James, 34, into Whatcom County Jail on Sept. 20 on suspicion of first-degree theft. Jail records show James, who also was arrested on two outstanding criminal trespass warrants, is being held in lieu of $50 cash bail. Officers responded to the downtown area at approximately 5 p.m. on Sept.
On the day of Oyster run, Whatcom motorcycle rider killed in crash with another rider
A Whatcom County motorcycle rider was killed after he reportedly ran a red light and struck another motorcycle Sunday afternoon on State Route 20 in Skagit County. The fatal crash occurred on the day of the 39th Oyster Run, an annual ride that draws motorcyclists from across the region to Anacortes. Robert C. Bray, 64 of Blaine, died in a two-vehicle crash that occurred at approximately 2:44 p.m. Sunday, Sept.
Community rallies around family after Bellingham thief steals car with dog still inside Original
As of Friday morning, 411 automobile thefts had been reported this year in the city of Bellingham, or more than 1.5 per day. While each brings its own level of pain and inconvenience to the victims, it’s likely none was more heartbreaking than what Charlene Paz experienced when her Ford Escape was stolen Saturday, Sept. 17, from the Sunset Square parking lot. Two days later, Paz got her car back, but this story, unfortunately, does not have a happy ending.
BTC closes building ‘out of an abundance of caution’ while structural assessment completed Original
Bellingham Technical College’s Campus Center building was closed Thursday afternoon to conduct a structural assessment. The school announced the closure in a student alert that was distributed at 2:19 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 22, saying the closure was “out of an abundance of caution.” An announcement on the school’s website also said the Campus Center was temporarily closed, impacting the library, food pantry, tutoring, TRIO, campus store and student center.
Sehome principal asks for trust as school works through ‘difficult’ football hazing event Original
The coaching staff for the Sehome High School football team is expected to remain intact Friday when the Mariners retake the field in the wake of last week’s forfeit caused by a “serious, confirmed” hazing incident by players on the squad. Meanwhile, Sehome principal Sonia Cole called for the community to trust the school’s staff while it works through a difficult situation, rather than sinking to spreading rumors and name-calling or jumping to conclusions.
Seizure of $825,000 worth of ketamine near Whatcom border ‘a step in the right direction’ Original
U.S. Border Patrol agents in Whatcom County seized 2.2 pounds of ketamine in a remote area near the international border with Canada earlier this week. While on patrol Sunday, Sept. 18, Blaine Sector Border Patrol agents assigned to the Sumas Station located a man who had illegally cross the U.S.-Canada border in a remote area east of Sumas, according to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection release Wednesday, Sept. 21.
Woman reportedly seen masturbating near Bellingham elementary school Tuesday afternoon
A 33-year-old woman was cited for indecent exposure after she was reportedly seen masturbating near a Bellingham elementary school during school hours on Tuesday. Officers were called at 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, to the 1400 block of Moore Street near Carl Cozier Elementary for an indecent exposure report, according to the Bellingham Police Department’s incident log.
Police issue warning Whatcom cat owners to bring pets indoors after ‘couple’ of recent deaths Original
The Blaine Police Department is advising Whatcom County residents to bring in their cats inside at night after a couple of recent cat deaths in the area. “If you have cats, protect the whiskers and consider bringing them into the house or even into a garage overnight,” a Facebook post by the department read on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The reason for the warning, according to the post, is a “couple recent cat deaths.” “We don’t know what’s happened, we just want to keep the whiskers safe,” the post reads.
Woman Reportedly Seen Masturbating Near Bellingham Elementary School
David Rasbach / The Bellingham Herald A 33-year-old woman was cited for indecent exposure after she was reportedly seen masturbating near a Bellingham elementary school during school hours on Tuesday. Officers were called at 2:05 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 20, to the 1400 block of Moore Street near Carl Cozier Elementary for an indecent exposure report, according to the Bellingham Police Department's incident log.
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