Pair of suspects commit armed robbery not far from campus

At approximately 10:30 a.m. this morning, a female reportedly approached a woman outside the JJs In and Out at 2219 Douglas Avenue, about two blocks from campus, and threatened her with a handgun. The suspect robbed the store and took the female employee’s purse and fled the scene westbound, away from campus.

The Bellingham Police's K-9 track ended a few blocks south of the store. A second suspect was seen on the store's camera waiting for the female outside of the store; he is described as a white male last seen wearing a light colored face mask, light gray or white hoodie, and dark pants. Both suspects are assumed to have fled the area and no longer be in the vicinity.

The store employee who was robbed has been identified as a Western student, and the university is reaching out to her to provide services and support to her.

The first suspect is described as white female in her 30s, 5’6” to 5’8” in height, heavyset but not obese, and wearing a red face mask, black hoodie, and gray shorts to the knees. She is known to be carrying a handgun. Anyone seeing someone matching this description should immediately call 911. The university will update the campus community on this incident should any pertinent information become available.