BELLINGHAM, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) Police have identified the man accused of assault in downtown Bellingham earlier this month.
Bellingham Police Department (BPD) spokesperson Megan Peters says multiple tips from the public confirmed the suspect as 23-year-old Austin Ruiz.
Officers say the victim was armed with a gun and was visibly intoxicated while walking through an alley off Holly Street early on Jan. 13. Two men began assaulting him and Ruiz ran in to break it up. After pushing the men away, Ruiz began assaulting the victim and stole his gun and shoes.
Peters says a family member brought Ruiz in after becoming aware of the warrant for his arrest. He was booked into Whatcom County Jail on Thursday where he remains without bail.
The two other suspects involved in the fight, 27-year-olds Shea Eydel and Christopher Parsons, were quickly identified after the incident and face lesser charges. The victim will also be charged for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
Peters says the department thanks the public for its assistance in the case and adds that every tip that came in identified Ruiz as the man in the photos provided by the BPD.
