Blaine police say officers assisted in Sunday's Birch Bay shooting probe as jail records show a suspect facing drive-by shooting charges. (Photo: Blaine Police Department)
BIRCH BAY, Wash. — Details from last night’s shooting in Birch Bay are still being investigated as families and beachgoers were sent scrambling after two rival motorcycle gangs exchanged gunfire.
“Yesterday, Blaine officers were requested to assist the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office with an active shooting in Birch Bay. Multiple Blaine Officers responded to assist and helped in the investigation and apprehension of one of the suspects.”
— Blaine Police Department
The shooting happened around 7:15 p.m. Sunday near the beach along Birch Bay Drive.
Multiple agencies responded to the 7800 block of Birch Bay Drive and assisted deputies with the investigation, as one person suffered non-life-threatening injuries, the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office said Sunday.
Meanwhile, several people were taken into custody.
Blaine police credit 911 dispatchers
Blaine police also praised Whatcom County 911 dispatchers for their response.
Dispatchers handled numerous 911 calls during the shooting and provided officers with critical information about suspects, the department said.
“We would also like to point out the amazing work from our dispatchers at Whatcom County 911. Their calm voices handled numerous 911 calls and provided critical suspect information for law enforcement.”
— Blaine Police Department
The Sheriff’s Office said Sunday night that there was no ongoing threat to the public.
Jail record shows separate shooting charge
Separately, Whatcom County jail records show Roman Mayne De Isla Puga entered the county jail at 9:46 p.m. Sunday.
The jail record lists two charges: drive-by shooting and false information or report.
The record identifies Whatcom County Superior Court case No. 26A31168 and lists no bail.
PNW Daily located the booking record independently. Blaine police did not identify Puga in their statement Monday or say he was the suspect their officers apprehended.
The charges remain allegations. Puga is presumed innocent unless a court finds him guilty.
Witness describes chaotic scene
A PNW Daily follower said they stood on the beach with their children when the shooting began.
“I was on the beach when it happened heard six or seven gunshots then saw people running on the beach and hiding. That’s when I got my kids the hell out of there because there was an active shooter.”
— PNW Daily witness account
PNW Daily has not independently confirmed the number of shots or every detail of the witness account.
While several witnesses have identified and speculated on social media, the Sheriff’s Office has not identified the motorcycle gangs involved or explained what led to the shooting.
The investigation remains active.
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