Custer homeowner shoots intruder

By Rebecca Schwarz Kopf

At about 5:45 p.m. Sunday evening, a Custer homeowner shot a man who allegedly tried to break into a nearby storage building, according to the Whatcom County sheriff’s office.

“The incident took place in the 7100 block of Faris Road,” said Jeff Parks, of the sheriff’s office. “The evidence indicates it was self-defense.”

The unnamed homeowner saw a vehicle parked in the back of his property and noticed a pole building had been broken into. The homeowner, carrying a shotgun, then confronted a man who came back to the vehicle.

The man then picked up a gun from his vehicle and pointed it at the homeowner. The homeowner then shot the man in the face. The man has been identified as Matthew T. Brown, 29, of Bellingham, Parks said. Brown was taken to St. Joseph Hospital where he was treated for face wounds.

“He (Brown) has been booked into Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary and first-degree assault.”

The homeowner remains unnamed because he is the victim, Parks said. “There was no probable cause for his arrest.”

He also said the homeowner will most likely not be charged with anything, but that’s up to the prosecutor.

Sgt. John Barriball recorded the account on Sunday. There was no word from the prosecutor as of press time.

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