Sandy MalonePeaceful Valley, WA – Two Whatcom County sheriff’s deputies were shot on Thursday afternoon when they responded to a dispute between neighbors in Peaceful Valley.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) said the incident occurred at about 4:20 p.m. on Feb. 10 when sheriff’s deputies responded to a report that two neighbors were shooting at each other near Peaceful Valley and State Route 247 in the Maple Falls area, KING reported.
WCSO said that when deputies arrived on the scene northwest of Bellingham, they attempted to talk with a man who was armed with a shotgun in the street.
1/2 At 1618 this evening WCSO deputies responded to a neighborhood dispute in the Peaceful Valley area. Reports were two males were shooting at each other. Deputies arrived on scene and attempted to dialogue on the street with a man who had a shotgun.
— Whatcom County Sheriff's Office (@whatcomsheriff) February 11, 2022
The attempt was unsuccessful and both deputies were shot, KING reported.
🚨Be advised – Two Whatcom County Deputies were shot while responding to an incident between neighbors near Peaceful Valley and SR547. Deputies are being transported to the local hospital. Please avoid the area.
— Trooper Jacob Kennett (@wspd7pio) February 11, 2022
The sheriff’s department said both deputies were rushed to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, KOMO reported.
Officials have not released the identities of the wounded heroes but said that both deputies were in “stable” condition at the hospital.
UPDATE: The deputies are both in stable condition at a local hospital and the suspect is in custody, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.
— KING 5 News (@KING5Seattle) February 11, 2022
Initial reports said that the gunman who shot the officers had fled and was on the loose, but officials were quick to announce that the man who shot two deputies had been taken into custody in short order.
WCSO said that the suspect surrendered to deputies just after 6 p.m., KING reported.
DEVELOPING: Two Sheriff's Deputies in Whatcom County are in the hospital this morning after they were shot while responding to a dangerous dispute between neighbors in Maple Falls.@TheronZahnKOMO has an update and we'll check-in with him again at 6am.#KOMONews pic.twitter.com/kafcESabfa
— Holly Menino (@hollymenino) February 11, 2022
The investigation was being headed up by the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Response Team and was considered ongoing.
WCSO said that both of the wounded deputies were veteran members of the sheriff’s department, KOMO reported.
Holly Matkin
