BELLINGHAM — An investigation continues into a riot last month in Bellingham, and police are also focusing more attention on rowdy parties near the Western Washington University campus.
The Oct. 12 riot broke out after Bellingham police officers broke up a party at an apartment complex. Hundreds gathered and began throwing beer bottles, cans, lawn chairs and rocks at patrol cars. Police responded in riot gear to disperse the unruly crowd.
The Bellingham Herald reports that Mayor Kelli Linville estimated the unrest cost at about $20,000, including personnel costs for responding officers. Eleven people have been arrested so far, facing charges that include malicious mischief, failure to disperse and rioting while armed.
Among those arrested are two students from Western. One has been suspended and the other is going through the university’s discipline process.