Suspect arrested after Lummi Nation officer shot multiple times in Whatcom County, WA

Suspect arrested after Lummi Nation officer shot in Whatcom County, WA

Authorities in Ferndale arrested a suspect this afternoon after a Lummi Nation officer was shot multiple times while responding to a car in a ditch. The officer is stable in the hospital.

WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. - A Lummi Nation police officer was shot overnight in Whatcom County and the suspected gunman is now in custody. 

What we know:

Just before 1 a.m. on Monday, the 37-year-old officer was investigating a traffic incident on North Red River Road after a car drove off the road and into a ditch. 

The Whatcom County Sheriff's Office said when the officer contacted the driver, the driver opened fire and shot the officer multiple times. Deputies said the suspect ran away from the scene after the shooting. 

The officer was taken to the hospital for emergency medical care, where he later underwent surgery. Authorities say he is in stable condition, but "still has a long way to go."

During a press conference Monday afternoon, the Lummi Police Department and Whatcom County Sheriff's Office announced an arrest in the officer shooting. 

The suspect was identified as 26-year-old Javier Peña-Flores. He was arrested in Ferndale 12–13 hours after the shooting, and is currently in custody for attempted murder. 

Peña-Flores has a criminal history of drug possession, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff.

What they're saying:

"It's just been a difficult day. We're happy and grateful for all the agencies that helped with the capture of the suspect. Our hearts are out with our officer that's been shot," said Lummi Nation Police Chief Jay Martin, appearing emotional during the press conference Monday afternoon.

"Earlier this morning during what was believed to be a routine law enforcement check, one of our own, a Lummi Nation police officer, was shot in the line of duty," said Lummi Nation Chairman Tony Hillaire during the press conference. "This tragic event is a reminder of the risks our officers take each and every single day to keep our community safe. I want to express deep gratitude to all the agencies involved for acting swiftly and in partnership with the Lummi law enforcement. It has been powerful to see so many enforcement agencies from all over come together to help a fellow enforcement officer that is in trouble, and has been shot in the line of duty."

"This morning, a Lummi Nation officer was trying to do his job. He was going to help someone, and then he was shot," stated Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell "Tank" Tanksley during the press conference. "Today, we faced a horrific incident that has deeply affected our entire community. A brave Lummi Nation police officer was shot doing his job. Think about that, shot doing his job. I want to emphasize our unwavering support for the officer and their family during this difficult time. I urge our community and members of our community to come together to support one another. Violence against law enforcement is an attack on the safety and security of all of us. We ask for your prayers and support the entire Lummi Nation, and also to support us that serve our communities."

The investigation remains ongoing, and is being led by the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Response Team.

Search for suspect after Lummi nation officer shot in Whatcom County, WA

A Lummi Nation police officer was shot overnight in Whatcom County and deputies are still searching for the suspected gunman. We are expecting a live update from authorities at 2pm on Monday.

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