19-year-old WWU student arrested in connection with riot

BELLINGHAM -- Police on Thursday arrested an additional person related to the Saturday's street riot that followed a raucous party.

The 19-year-old man, who lives on campus at 2401 Bill McDonald Parkway, was booked into the Whatcom County Jail for investigation of riot, failure to disperse, and interfering with a street sign. He has not yet been formally charged.

Police said two additional people have also been identified but have not been located.  Police said they will continue to work to identify participants.

There are 11 photos of individuals allegedly involved in the riot, at the following link;

https://www.piersystem.com/external/content/document/1264/1934805/1/photos.pdf

that police request the public's help identifying.  Please call Bellingham police detective Gina Crosswhite if you have information about the riot at (360) 778-8835.

Meanwhile, over the next few weeks, authorities from the Bellingham Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff's Office and Western Washington University will be cracking down on disruptive parties.

Police will use the "Party Bus" and the sheriff's office will provide their mobile booking vehicle starting Friday night.

Early Saturday morning Bellingham police had to control a riot near Western Washington University. Hundreds of revelers took to the streets, damaging signs and property.

"It escalated, got completely out of control. It's embarrassing and it's disgraceful," said WWU student Shelby Stimson.

"I have never ever seen such a violent crowd, directing bottles, rocks, cinder blocks at police officers," said Bellingham police Lt. Rick Sucee said.

Police also depleted most of their pepper spray, flash bangs and tear gas and now have to pay up to $5,000 to repair damaged patrol cars.

"It's really disheartening, being a lifelong resident here," said Sucee.

Authorities say they are not banning parties but they will respond to complaints.

Several tips if you are planning a party: