Bellingham police released video of a fatal officer-involved shooting that involved a suspect in a stabbing attack.
Late Sunday afternoon police responded to East Holly Street, where they say 28-year-old Manuel Gonzalez stabbed a 20-year-old in the neck.
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People who witnessed the stabbing followed the suspect to the 1400 block of Railroad Avenue. A Bellingham police officer tried to stop the man.
Police say the man, who was still armed with a knife, refused multiple commands by the officer to drop the knife and then came toward the officer.
This is video released by police. WARNING: It is graphic.
The officer backed away from the man and continued to order him to drop the knife, but the suspect refused and the officer shot him, according to police. The suspect died at the scene.
The victim of the stabbing was transported to St. Joseph's Hospital.
In a news release with the videos Thursday, police said Gonzalez had a history of minor criminal offenses including arrest for assaults in March and November last year.
>> Read the breaking story: Officer involved in fatal shooting in Bellingham
Bellingham police officer Jeremiah Leland, who fired his weapon against Gonzalez on Sunday, has worked as an officer with the Bellingham Police Department for three years.
"Although this is a tragic incident for our community and everyone involved, we are grateful that Officer Leland was not injured during the attack," said Bellingham Police Chief Cliff Cook. "While we are still trying to locate Mr. Gonzalez' next of kin, we will extend our condolences to his family."
The Whatcom County Sheriff's Department is leading the investigation into the officer-involved shooting.
Cox Media Group
