BIRCH BAY, Wash. — A 63-year-old man was arrested after allegedly shooting a parent and their 2-year-old child as they ran from him in Birch Bay last week, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
Anthony Palomba faces multiple charges, including two counts of attempted murder, following the shooting.
Deputies with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of an assault with a firearm around 7:45 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10. Emergency dispatchers received multiple calls, including reports of gunshots and victims with gunshot wounds.
Deputies found both victims at a nearby residence with non-life-threatening gunshot wounds. Both victims were taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for treatment.
According to investigators, Palomba and the adult victim had an argument earlier in the day. Palomba later armed himself and pointed a handgun at the victim inside a residence. The victim grabbed the 2-year-old child and ran out of the home as Palomba fired shots, striking both of them.
Deputies said Palomba then pointed the gun at another adult inside the home. He also fired toward two additional residents who were sitting in the living room. Investigators executing search warrants later recovered a fired bullet that had entered the residence and landed in the living room.
Palomba attempted to drive away as deputies arrived, but law enforcement officers surrounded his vehicle. Deputies gave verbal commands and arrested Palomba without further incident. Officers saw a pistol on the front passenger seat of his vehicle, which was later seized by investigators.
Palomba was booked into the Whatcom County Jail on two counts of attempted murder, felony domestic violence harassment, reckless endangerment, and carrying firearms.
“An incident involving an alleged attempt to take another’s life is deeply troubling and understandably shakes our community,” stated Whatcom Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley. “I appreciate our deputies’ quick response and successful de-escalation. Our thoughts are with the victims and their families.”
Palomba made his first appearance in Whatcom County Superior Court on Tuesday afternoon. He is being held without bail.
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