WHATCOM COUNTY, WA – A 26-year-old Whatcom County resident, Javier Pena-Flores, was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder following the shooting of a Lummi Nation Police Department officer early Monday morning, July 28, 2025. The incident occurred in the 3200 block of North Red River Road, where the officer was investigating a traffic incident.
Just before 1 a.m., the 37-year-old officer approached a vehicle that had veered off the road into a ditch. Upon contact, the driver allegedly opened fire, striking the officer multiple times before fleeing the scene on foot. The officer, whose name has not been released out of respect for his family’s privacy, was immediately transported to a local hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery. Authorities report he is now in stable condition but faces a challenging recovery.
“This morning, a Lummi Nation officer was simply doing his job, trying to help someone, when he was shot,” said Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley during a press conference. “This unprovoked attack has deeply affected our community, and we are grateful for the swift response that led to the suspect’s capture.”
The suspect, Javier Pena-Flores, was apprehended in Ferndale around 1 p.m. on Monday, approximately 12 hours after the shooting. Sheriff Tanksley noted that Pena-Flores has a prior criminal history involving drug possession. The arrest followed a coordinated effort by the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Response Team (LEMART), a multi-jurisdictional task force comprising the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Lummi Nation Police Department, Bellingham Police Department, Ferndale Police Department, Lynden Police Department, and Washington State Patrol.
The response extended beyond local agencies, with support from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Lummi Nation Police Chief Jay Martin, visibly emotional during the press conference, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort, stating, “Our hearts are with our officer and his family. We are thankful for the agencies that helped us today.”
Lummi Nation Chairman Tony Hillaire also addressed the incident, calling it a “horrific event” that underscores the risks officers face daily. “This tragic event reminds us of the sacrifices our law enforcement officers make to keep our community safe,” he said. “We stand together in support of our officer and his family during this difficult time.”
The officer, who has been with the Lummi Nation Police Department for less than a year but has several years of law enforcement experience, is expected to recover, though the extent of his injuries remains undisclosed. Sheriff Tanksley urged the community to unite in support, stating, “Violence against law enforcement is an attack on the safety and security of us all. We ask for your prayers for our officer, the Lummi Nation, and all who serve our communities.”
The investigation, led by LEMART, continues to explore the circumstances and motive behind the shooting. Authorities have not reported an immediate threat to the public but have closed several roads in the area during the investigation. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.
