Police Arrest Stolen Vehicle Driver in Bellingham
A 36-year-old suspect faces DUI and other charges following a pursuit on I-5.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Property Crime
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Bellingham police apprehended 36-year-old Alecxis Cortez after a high-speed vehicle pursuit ended on I-5. The vehicle was later confirmed to be stolen from Marysville.
Why it matters
Law enforcement utilized specialized intervention tactics to safely terminate the pursuit on a major interstate. The suspect is currently held at the Whatcom County Jail following the incident.
Alecxis Cortez is currently held at the Whatcom County Jail under a $100K bail. The 36-year-old suspect faces charges of DUI and other pending offenses.
The players
Alecxis Cortez
The 36-year-old suspect is currently in custody following an arrest on I-5.
Bellingham Police Department
The local agency is responsible for law enforcement operations and traffic safety within the city.
The details
The pursuit began near McLeod Road when the driver failed to stop for officers, eventually leading to a chase on I-5 southbound. Bellingham Police Department officers utilized a grappler device near Sunset Drive to bring the vehicle to a halt.
Timeline
October 19, 2026: Police attempted a traffic stop near McLeod Road.
Legal Context
This incident reflects the ongoing application of vehicle pursuit policies in Washington state following recent legislative reforms. These measures aim to balance the necessity of apprehending suspects in stolen vehicles with public safety on busy corridors like I-5.
The use of a grappler device during a pursuit on I-5 serves as a reminder of active traffic enforcement in the Bellingham area. Residents are advised that such police maneuvers can cause temporary congestion or lane closures on major thoroughfares.
The takeaway
Vehicle theft remains a significant concern that often spills over into dangerous pursuit situations on local highways. Motorists should remain vigilant and maintain distance if they observe law enforcement engaging with suspect vehicles.
Further reading
For more information on trends in local criminal activity, visit the Bellingham Property Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by My Bellingham Now -.
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