A Ferndale man is wanted by Bellingham Police for first-degree assault and other charges after ramming two cop cars in a recreational vehicle and leading a police chase, police said Thursday night.
Marco M. Salinas, 37, had multiple warrants for his arrest, including for domestic violence-related malicious mischief and harassment, and a probable cause statement for second-degree theft.
Shortly after 10 p.m. Thursday, officers saw Salinas — a suspect of a recent theft — on the 4200 block of Meridian Street. Salinas got in his RV when officers attempted to contact him.
Salinas, who was “exhibiting signs of intoxication,” rammed the RV into two police cars, then led police on a 5-mile pursuit south on Meridian Street, police said.
Salinas “intentionally drove directly toward two more police officers, ran multiple red lights and nearly struck an officer who was out of his car,” according to police.
Bellingham officers stopped their pursuit when Salinas drove downtown, citing increased pedestrian traffic and a far greater threat to public safety.
Salinas is currently wanted by Bellingham Police Department for two counts of first-degree assault, two counts of attempted first-degree assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, and second-degree malicious mischief.
The vehicle is a 1986 beige Ford RV with two black stripes on the side, with Washington license plates ADD6289. BPD is asking the public to be on the lookout for Salinas, and to call 911 if seen.
Cascadia Daily News will update this story as more information becomes available.
