Bellingham police close a street during a three-hour standoff that ends in peaceful arrest
A report of a violation of a no-contact order Friday in Bellingham led to a three-hour standoff and the eventual arrest of an Everson man.
A Bellingham woman reported around noon Friday that a man who is known to her — Richard John Folden, 48, of Everson — was pounding on the windows and sliding glass doors of her house, throwing things and attempting to break into the residence, according to Lt. Claudia Murphy with the Bellingham Police Department.
Murphy said there is a no-contact order in place prohibiting Folden from being within 1,000 feet of the woman or her residence.
Just before police arrived at the home, Folden barricaded himself into a nearby travel trailer. Police attempted to make contact with Folden, but he did not answer, Murphy told The Herald.
Police rescue vehicles were sent to the scene along with crisis negotiators. As officers were attempting to make contact with him, Folden brandished what appeared to be a rifle of some type out the door of the trailer and threatened to shoot everyone. He then retreated back inside, Murphy said.
The weapon was later discovered to be a “very realistic looking airsoft gun,” according to Murphy.
Police closed 30th Street from Connelly Avenue to South Ave for the safety of the public for about three hours during the standoff.
SWAT and K-9 units were brought to the scene, and a noise/flash diversionary device was deployed outside the trailer to encourage Folden to comply, Murphy said. Folden soon stepped out of the trailer with his hands up and surrendered peacefully.
Folden had self-inflicted cuts along his arms, but no other injuries were reported in the standoff. Bellingham Fire Department Medics were staged nearby and were able to address Folden’s injuries, and he was taken to a hospital for additional treatment, Murphy said.
Folden was booked into Whatcom County Jail at just before 6 p.m. on suspicion of attempted residential burglary-domestic violence, violation of a no-contact order, third-degree malicious mischief, and intimidating a public servant.
