From the newsroom

As an investigative reporter, I don't cover a lot of breaking news. I'm used to the benefits of an abundance of time when it comes to accuracy. But yesterday, I was tapped to cover the shooting of a Lummi Nation police officer in the line of duty. 

A press conference was called — a rarity in this county — to update the public with what details could be shared. 

The words of Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley struck a cord during the somber event: "There's not a single day in my 32 years of law enforcement that one would imagine that a car is in a ditch, and you're walking up to that car or truck or vehicle, and you're trying to help someone, and you're shot multiple times."

Law enforcement presented the media with the name, date of birth, and photo of the suspect. Because such situations are often fluid, CDN policy is not to name a suspect until they have been formally charged to avoid repeating any potential errors by law enforcement. This situation was high profile enough that we made an exception.

Roughly 24 hours later, after checking the jail roster, we were confronted with the fact that the name of the man being held in jail and the one presented to the media were not remotely close. You can read that story here.

Issues with the suspect's identity aside, my thoughts and prayers go out to the police officer and his family. The pain they and the community are feeling continues to be very real. A donation fund has been set up to help them.

Today's news

Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell Tanksley, right, speaks during a July 28 press conference as Lummi Chairman Anthony Hillaire and Police Chief Jay Martin watch. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

Sheriff's Office misidentifies suspect who shot Lummi police officer

New Oasis Youth Shelter in Mount Vernon targets mid-August opening

Whatcom County to host first government open house

Skagit County Commissioner Lisa Janicki to retire

Old Birdsview Grange will be sold, some lament loss of history

City will not require environmental impact statement for Mud Bay Cliffs development 

A peek inside the Pickford on Grand, Bellingham's new 'community theater'

Girls basketball team in Mount Vernon brings talent to national stage

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What's the Deal With?

An enormous flag waves above RV Washington Consignment Specialists in June, which is owned by Camping World. (Finn Wendt/Cascadia Daily News)

What's the Deal With: The enormous flag along I-5?

Have a suggestion for a "What's the Deal With?" Email us at newstips@cascadiadaily.com.

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