Both were shot but survived, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies later arrested a 63-year-old Birch Bay man in connection with the shooting.
BIRCH BAY, Wash. — An adult grabbed a 2-year-old child and ran from a Birch Bay home Monday night as gunfire erupted behind them, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Both were shot but survived, suffering non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies later arrested a 63-year-old Birch Bay man in connection with the shooting.
The shooting happened around 7:45 p.m. Aug. 10 in a residential area. Deputies were initially dispatched for a report of an assault involving a firearm. Additional calls quickly followed.
One resident reported hearing gunshots and seeing a neighbor run from the home carrying a baby. Other reports indicated two people had been shot.
Deputies arrived within minutes and found the adult and child at a nearby residence. The adult told deputies that 63-year-old Anthony “Tony” Palomba of Birch Bay had shot them. Investigators said the victims knew Palomba.
Argument Escalated Before Birch Bay Shooting
According to investigators, Palomba and the victim had a verbal argument earlier Monday. Later, Palomba armed himself and pointed a firearm at the victim.
The victim grabbed the child and ran from the residence as Palomba fired shots toward them, investigators said. Both were struck.
Palomba then allegedly pointed the firearm at another adult inside the home. At least three other adults were inside the residence when the shooting occurred.
Investigators later found a fired bullet that entered the home and landed in the living room, where two other residents were sitting.
Deputies Surround Suspect and Make Arrest
As additional deputies arrived, Palomba attempted to flee, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies surrounded him and began giving verbal commands. The situation was de-escalated, and Palomba was taken into custody without further incident.
Deputies reported seeing a pistol on the passenger seat of Palomba’s vehicle. Investigators subsequently served multiple search warrants. They seized a pistol from the vehicle and collected additional evidence from the residence.
“An incident involving an alleged attempt to take another’s life is deeply troubling and understandably shakes our community. I appreciate our deputies’ quick response and successful de-escalation. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley
Palomba Booked on Multiple Felony Charges
Investigators established probable cause that Palomba attempted to murder the adult and child by intentionally firing a gun toward them as they fled.
Probable cause was also established for allegations that Palomba threatened to kill another resident by pointing a pistol at them. Investigators said he also recklessly endangered two additional adults by firing a gun in their direction.
A separate probable cause finding involved allegedly carrying a loaded firearm in the passenger seat of a vehicle.
Palomba was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on two counts of attempted murder, felony harassment involving domestic violence, reckless endangerment and carrying firearms.
The adult and child were transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment. The investigation remains ongoing.
What We Know About the Birch Bay Shooting
When: About 7:45 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10
Where: Residential area of Birch Bay
Victims: An adult and a 2-year-old child
Injuries: Both suffered non-life-threatening gunshot wounds
Suspect: Anthony “Tony” Palomba, 63, of Birch Bay
Arrest: Palomba was taken into custody without incident
Charges: Two counts of attempted murder, felony harassment involving domestic violence, reckless endangerment and carrying firearms
Evidence: A pistol was seized from Palomba’s vehicle
What Happens Next?
Palomba was booked into the Whatcom County Jail following his arrest. The charges are allegations, and probable cause findings are not a determination of guilt.
The sheriff’s office said investigators collected additional evidence through multiple search warrants as they continue investigating the shooting.
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