State Patrol Seeking Witnesses To Bellingham Protests

Bellingham, WA – The Washington State Patrol is seeking witnesses to the protest that occurred on Interstate 5 in Bellingham on Saturday, February 11th, 2017.

According to a press release from Trooper Heather Axtman, around 12:25 p.m. on Saturday February 11th, 2017, five cars stopped and blocked the Northbound Lanes of I-5 at mile post  253 for a demonstration.  This hour-long event caused a four mile long backup along the two lane highway in Whatcom County.  The Washington State Patrol emergency communication center received several 9-1-1 calls shortly after the protest began.

A Washington State Patrol Trooper was on scene within ten minutes of the initial call and a second trooper arrived within 20 minutes of the initial call.  The two Troopers observed approximately 100 demonstrators.  The protestors used chains and pipes to bind themselves together along the highway.

As traffic started to flow following the demonstration, Troopers responded to a five-car rollover collision about three miles South of mile post 253.  One person was taken to the hospital with minor injuries in that collision.

Washington State Patrol Detectives are seeking witnesses who directly observed the five vehicles that initially blocked traffic. They are also seeking witnesses who can help identify the protestors who were involved in this demonstration.

If you can ID the suspects, or have photos of the incident as it happened, please contact Detective Kevin Nelson at (360) 654-1143