3-4-2019
BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham Police officer and Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy involved in a shooting in December were cleared of any wrongdoing.
A man was threatening people with a machete in the Arroyo Park trail area last December, and officers from the Bellingham Police Department and Whatcom County Sheriff’s office responded.
Upon locating the suspect officers realized he had a crossbow and fired an arrow at them.
The suspect was ordered to drop his weapon but refused.
Two officers fired four shots, striking the suspect in the hip.
He was arrested and transported to the hospital for minor injuries.
Prosecutor Richey reviewed all reports and said the officers acted in good faith in the use of deadly force to avoid criminal liability.
The California man accused in the crime, Micah James Godfrey, is still awaiting competency restoration before the case against him can continue.