Suspected Drug Lab Ruled Out After Lincoln Square Apartments Evacuation

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A suspected drug lab investigation forced an evacuation at Lincoln Square Apartments in Bellingham on Saturday. A strong chemical smell on the fourth floor triggered a multi-agency response.

“Earlier today crews responded to a report of a strange odor on the fourth floor of the apartment building,” Bill Hewett told PNW Daily. “Our crews got up to the fourth floor and immediately encountered a very strong chemical odor. They withdrew from the floor at that time.”

Residents quickly called emergency services after noticing the smell. As a result, the odor raised concerns about a hazardous materials situation inside the building.

“We ordered all occupants to shelter in place while we ventilated,” Hewett said. “We placed large fans on the third, fourth, and fifth floors to clear the odor from common areas.”

Authorities later determined the odd smell was bear spray, according to reports from Cascadia Daily News.

Since bear spray posed no ongoing health threat to residents, the all clear was given shortly after 7:00 p.m.

Fourth Floor Apartment Identified As Source Of Odor

PNW Daily confirmed on scene that the smell came from a fourth-floor apartment. Crews ordered residents to shelter in place while they ventilated the building.

Meanwhile, Hewett spoke with PNW Daily during a livestream as specialized crews staged outside.

Families waited on the street during the response. In addition, some children had been visiting grandparents for Easter weekend. Several still wore holiday outfits and carried baskets as crews searched the fourth floor.

Arrest Made As Investigation Focuses On Apartment Unit

Officers detained one individual at the scene. However, officials said the arrest was not directly related to the odor investigation.

“The smell was not related to the initial arrest being made, but the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released by the police department,” Hewett said.

As Hewett indicated, booking records show Isaac J Griffin, 35, booked into Whatcom County Jail Saturday evening on outstanding warrants:

Bellingham Police have not responded to questions about the arrest or the broader investigation. After the all-clear, agency leaders reviewed the scene and determined the smell came from the apartment tied to the detained individual.

Residents told PNW Daily the individual had been removed from the building earlier in the week and returned Saturday morning. However, authorities have not confirmed that information.

The smell was not related to the initial arrest being made, but the investigation is ongoing and further details will be released by the police department.

— Bill Hewett, speaking to PNW Daily on scene

Residents Allowed To Return After All-Clear

Officials cleared the building after crews removed the hazard. Residents returned to their units. No injuries were reported.

Community Impact And Resident Concerns

Some residents and family members pushed back on how the incident has been perceived, emphasizing that Lincoln Square is home to many working individuals and families.

In a message to PNW Daily, one parent shared that her 24-year-old son, who has autism, lives in the building and supports himself independently.

“Please realize that just because this has happened doesn’t mean that there aren’t honest, hardworking folks that live there too,” she said.

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities have not released details about any substances found inside the apartment. They have not announced additional charges.

Bellingham Police have not responded to PNW Daily’s requests for comment. This remains a developing story, and PNW Daily will provide updates as new information becomes available.