News

Suspects in gang-related shooting make first court appearance

Suspects in gang-related shooting make first court appearance

Court documents for Whatcom County Superior Court. Photo: Saga Communications/Emma Toscani


WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two suspects accused of causing a gang-related shootout in Birch Bay made their first appearances in court.

Court documents state that the two suspects pled not guilty following their arraignments Tuesday, Sept. 8 in Whatcom County Superior Court.

Surveillance footage showed one of the suspects, 54-year-old William Huskey, approaching a business on Birch Bay Drive just before the shooting.

Huskey told investigators that he was approached by members of a rival motorcycle gang, who demanded he remove his own affiliation patches from his jacket. An argument ensued, leading Huskey to pull out a gun and fire towards the opposing group.

One person was struck in the foot and taken to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center.

The second suspect, identified as 31-year-old Roman Mayne De Isla Puga, was seen on camera running towards his bike, grabbing a gun and returning fire towards Huskey. When Mayne De Isla Puga was pulled over, he denied all involvement or knowledge of the shooting.

Both men remain at the Whatcom County Jail on $1 million bail each.

Recent Headlines

5 hours ago in Dedicated To Service, Entertainment, Health and Wellness, Lifestyle, Local, Outdoors, Trending

Bellingham lifts total burn ban

Backyard bonfires are allowed once more inside the city. The city is still reminding people to exercise caution when setting fires.

7 hours ago in Business, Crime, Government, Local, Trending

Permit scams on the rise in Bellingham

The city warned residents of similar scam attempts earlier this year.

8 hours ago in Entertainment, Government, Lifestyle, Local, Traffic

Upgraded Amtrak Cascade fleet to begin service on Sept. 30

The new generation of trains boast an increased seating capacity and other upgrades to the passenger experience.

9 hours ago in Crime, Local, Trending

No foul play suspected after dead body found at Maritime Heritage Park

The Whatcom County Medical Examiner's Office will determine the person's identity and cause of death.

14 hours ago in Entertainment, Music

MusiCares to honor U2 as 2027 Persons of the Year at a star-studded Grammy-weekend gala

MusiCares will honor Irish band U2 as its Persons of the Year at a February gala kicking off Grammy Awards weekend. Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. will be celebrated at a Feb. 5 dinner and tribute concert at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles.