Ferndale Police Department is seeking assistance in identifying a suspect in multiple theft cases. He drives what is believed to be a black Honda Civic (2015-2020 model) with black or dark colored wheels, wears a Seattle Mariners hat and what are believed to be black and camo DVS Celsius shoes. The subject also has a tattoo on his left wrist.
The suspect has committed crimes at multiple locations and wore the same hat, bandana and shoes each time. There is probable cause for his arrest for multiple crimes.
Please contact Corporal Scott (jscott@ferndalepd.org) or call (360) 676-6911 with any assistance in identifying this suspect.
Lt. Huffman and Kim Martin load the bicycles outside the Ferndale Police Station
The Ferndale Police Department recently donated unclaimed bicycles to children in Kigali, Rwanda where they will be used to set up a bicycle shop and provide transportation to the community.
This program, a branch of Bicycles for Humanity, is organized by Terry Mahoney. “The people over there need bicycles desperately. This allows children to get to school, and doctors to get to appointments,” said Mahoney.
The bicycles which would have traditionally been surplused and disposed of by the police department, will be shipped to Rwanda in a shipping container provided by Blaine company Kam-Way Transportation.
Ferndale Police Station to Reopen to the Public with Limited Hours Starting Tuesday, April 6th
With vaccination rates increasing and Whatcom County currently in Phase 3, the Ferndale Police Station and Court will reopen to the public for limited hours. The lobby will be available to the public from 10am-2pm, on Tuesdays and Thursdays starting April 6th. Masks will be required inside the facility and lobby capacity is limited. Members of the public are still encouraged to connect through email or over the phone. Fingerprinting services are still unavailable however commonly requested forms are available in the foyer and the court drop box will be available during normal business hours. As always, anytime you need an officer, please dial 911.
“We serve the public, and with our staff having access to the vaccine, it is time to make sure we are accessible to our community,” said Chief Kevin Turner. “As conditions continue to improve, we look forward to returning to our normal hours later this year.”
Every five (5) years, Whatcom County submits a Natural Hazards Mitigation Plan (NHMP) for review and approval by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is time to update the plan and submit it to FEMA once again. We are using the 2016 plan as the basis to create the 2021 plan.
The purpose of an NHMP is to identify the types of natural hazards that impact a jurisdiction, assess each jurisdiction’s vulnerability to those hazards, and formulate mitigation strategies that will lessen the severity of natural disasters by protecting human life and property. Plans must be reviewed and updated to remain active. This process is very important and allows Whatcom County to receive Federal funding for mitigation and pre-disaster projects to lessen the impact of disasters when they do happen.
FEMA reviews Whatcom County’s plan for accuracy and mitigation measures being considered, underway, or already completed. An updated Whatcom County plan is due to be submitted to FEMA in 2021.
David Wurtz was arrested shortly after midnight on 02/03/2021 by the Ferndale Police Department for multiple counts of malicious mischief. Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) had reported several incidents of vandalism towards their bus stops in the previous months. Damage estimates related to these offenses ranged from $2,500 – $3,500.
In response to these reports, police set up surveillance of a bus stop in the 5700 block of Vista Dr. Shortly after midnight on 02/03/2021, police witnessed a subject walking in the area. As the subject walked by the bus stop located in front of 5750 Vista Dr, the subject sprayed paint on a bus stop sign belonging to WTA.
The subject was detained by police and identified as David Wurtz. David Wurtz had fresh black paint on his hand and fingertips as well as having a can of black spray paint in his possession. A check of other bus stops in the area found several signs had been vandalized with paint which was still wet and dripping.
Based on the observed actions of David Wurtz, physical evidence, and consistencies with previously reported crimes, there was probable cause to arrest David Wurtz for multiple counts of malicious mischief. Due to the combined costs of damage caused by David Wurtz, he was arrested for malicious mischief in the 2nd degree and booked into Whatcom County Jail.
With students resuming in-classroom instruction for all grades next week, the Ferndale Police Department urges drivers to obey the speed limit in school zones, watch for pedestrians and stop for school buses.
Our officers will be out in force next week to help drivers remember to drive carefully. Together, we can ensure that everyone makes it to class safe and sound.
The Ferndale Police Department is asking for help from the public in stopping the vandalism of bus signs in Ferndale. In the past month, a number of Whatcom Transit Authority (WTA) bus signs and schedules have been frequently vandalized with black spray paint.
If members of the public see someone spray painting signs, please contact 911 or email Sgt. Kevin Davis directly at kdavis@ferndalepd.org.
The Ferndale Police Department received multiple reports of mail theft on 11/22/2020. In response to inquiries, lost batches of mail were recovered by residents and turned in to local authorities. Mail destined for addresses in Marysville, Bellingham and Ferndale was recovered.
Ferndale officers ultimately gathered two large bags of mail, dozens of opened packages and have begun contacting victims.
The Ferndale Police Department would like to remind everyone that during the holidays, there is often an increase in mail theft. With the increased use of online ordering due to the pandemic, it is especially common this year. We encourage everyone to be diligent and check their mail daily. This will reduce the likelihood of residents being victimized.
If you have any information to assist in identifying the vehicle or any suspects, please contact Officer Brown at (360) 483-5731 or via email at sbrown@ferndalepd.org.
Mobile Grocery Delivery Truck Sparks Online Rumor Mill
On 11/19/2020, Officers from the Ferndale Police Department responded to the 2300 block of Douglas Rd. It was reported that a male and female in a white van had lured children into their van with candy. It was also reported that the subjects asked the children for money. As you can imagine, this alarmed many parents in the area. Some have taken to Facebook and posted about this incident in an attempt to protect our community.
The Ferndale Police Department conducted an investigation and determined that the subjects are operating a mobile grocery store. The vehicle was actually a repurposed delivery box truck. The owners admitted that they allowed children inside the box truck. They also stated they allowed the children to look around and that they told the children to ask their parents for money to purchase candy. Ferndale officers confirmed the owners have a valid reseller permit from the Department of Revenue.
The Ferndale Police Department would like to remind everyone that what you read on the internet is not always what it seems. During these hard times, people of our community are doing whatever they can to get through this crisis. Yes, some of these ventures are legitimate and some not. If you see something suspicious, report it to the Police and allow them time to do a thorough investigation. If you participate in something going viral on the internet, you may be harming someone in your community unnecessarily.
“The City of Ferndale is a wonderful place to live. In these hard times we need to do our best to have a positive outlook and project that on our neighbors. If we talk to one another, ask the appropriate questions and have some compassion for those around us. We really will have a ‘Stronger Community Together,’” said Police Chief Kevin Turner.
Ferndale Police Seek Public’s Help Identifying Burglary Suspects
On 10/27/2020, Officers from the Ferndale Police Department, Deputies from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and Officers from Bellingham Police Department responded to two attempted burglaries of a marijuana retail store in the 6100 block of Portal Way.
During both events, two males who appear to be Caucasian attempted to kick in the door of the marijuana retail store. The first incident occurred at approximately 00:51 hours on 10/27/2020. WCSO deputies responded with a K-9 but a track was unsuccessful. The suspects were not able to make entry but caused significant damage to the door and door frame. The store owner responded and repaired the door.
At approximately 04:55 hours the two subjects returned and again attempted to kick down the door to make entry. They were unsuccessful for a second time and fled on foot out of camera view. Bellingham officers responded with a K-9 but a track was again unsuccessful.
Ferndale Police Department is seeking help from citizens in identifying the two would-be burglars.
Still shots from video surveillance of the two subjects have been provided by the store owner. One suspect was wearing what is believed to be a muted Chicago Bulls hat and a Seattle Seahawks drawstring backpack. He is also wearing a hooded sweatshirt with a unique logo on the front. The second suspect is wearing a red drawstring backpack and a Nike Air fanny pack.
If you have any information to assist in identifying either of these suspects, please contact Officer Brown at (360) 483-5731 or via email at sbrown@ferndalepd.org.
