Stand-off with female suspect in Walmart parking lot leads to arrest

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A domestic incident led to a stand-off with a female suspect in the Bellingham Walmart parking lot last weekend.

Police Lieutenant Claudia Murphy says officers responded to a report of a domestic assault early Saturday by a man who had a no-contact order against 45-year-old Jan Marie Ethier.

She had left by the time officers arrived but a second report came in that she had returned and was violating the no-contact order inside a motorhome.

Ethier refused officers’ orders to leave the motorhome and they eventually used pepper balls to force her out.

They arrested her on charges of assault and violating a court order.

BPD reminds people services are available for those experiencing domestic violence.

Lummi Victims of Crime, 360.312.2015
Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services, 360.715.1563