Mount Vernon Homicide Leads to Maple Falls SWAT Arrests

By BRIAN HENDERSON · June 25, 2026 · PNW Daily

MAPLE FALLS, Wash. — Detectives investigating the June 11 fatal shooting of a Mount Vernon man arrested two additional suspects Thursday during a SWAT operation in Maple Falls.

The arrests expand a homicide investigation that already resulted in murder charges against one suspect.

Mount Vernon police served a search warrant in the 9000 block of Lacie Lane. The department requested assistance from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Bellingham Police Department SWAT teams and crisis negotiators.

Investigators arrested a 17-year-old Mount Vernon male and a 20-year-old Burlington woman on charges related to the homicide.

Officers also arrested a separate 26-year-old Mount Vernon man on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm. During the search, investigators recovered a firearm with an obliterated serial number. Police said the weapon was not used in the June 11 homicide.

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This is an ongoing investigation. Information will be released as it becomes available.

— Mount Vernon Police Department

Murder Charges Filed Earlier This Week

The latest arrests follow charges filed earlier this week against Francisco Barron Jr., 26, of Mount Vernon.

According to court records, prosecutors charged Barron with first-degree murder, second-degree assault and drive-by shooting.

Investigators allege Barron played a role in the June 11 shooting that killed 23-year-old Arturo Ortiz-Lopez in the 1300 block of Second Street in Mount Vernon.

Authorities took Barron into custody Tuesday, according to court records.

Police have not identified the juvenile or the woman. Investigators also have not described their alleged roles in the homicide.

Regional Agencies Join Investigation

Mount Vernon detectives requested assistance from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Bellingham Police Department to execute the Maple Falls search warrant. SWAT teams and crisis negotiators from both agencies assisted during the operation.

After the arrests, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office praised the effort in a social media post.

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Regional collaboration at its finest!

— Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office

Investigation Remains Active

Mount Vernon police continue to investigate the homicide. Detectives expect to release more information as it becomes available.

Anyone who witnessed the June 11 shooting or has information about the case should call the 24-hour dispatch line at 360-428-3211. People also may contact the Mount Vernon Police Department during business hours at 360-336-6271.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened in the June 11 Mount Vernon shooting?

Arturo Ortiz-Lopez, 23, died in a shooting in the 1300 block of Second Street in Mount Vernon on June 11. Mount Vernon police have since charged Francisco Barron Jr., 26, with first-degree murder, second-degree assault and drive-by shooting in connection with the killing. Two additional suspects were arrested Thursday during a SWAT operation in Maple Falls.

Who was arrested in the Maple Falls SWAT operation?

Detectives arrested a 17-year-old Mount Vernon male and a 20-year-old Burlington woman on charges related to the homicide. A separate 26-year-old Mount Vernon man was also arrested on suspicion of unlawful possession of a firearm after investigators recovered a weapon with an obliterated serial number. Police say that firearm was not used in the June 11 shooting.

Which agencies assisted Mount Vernon police in the Maple Falls operation?

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office and the Bellingham Police Department both contributed SWAT teams and crisis negotiators to assist Mount Vernon detectives in executing the search warrant at the 9000 block of Lacie Lane in Maple Falls.

How can I report information about the Mount Vernon homicide?

Contact the Mount Vernon Police Department’s 24-hour dispatch line at 360-428-3211 or call during business hours at 360-336-6271. The investigation remains active and detectives continue to seek information about the June 11 shooting.