7-16-2018

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Two women were victims of stalking and assault in the Birchwood neighborhood this month, and police believe the same man may be responsible for both.

Lieutenant Danette Beckley said officers received a report of a suspicious man following and aggressively confronting a 25-year-old woman near the 3300 block of Northwest Avenue late on July 1st.

The woman identified Paulo Carillo-Tomas, who dove into bushes to avoid officers.

Late July 8, police say a 29-year-old woman was grabbed and strangled by a man as she was walking near the 2600 block of Birchwood Avenue.

Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Carillo-Tomas and are looking for a witness to the first incident who may have more information.