Bellingham Police authorities are urgently seeking the community’s assistance in locating a man who unexpectedly departed from PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center late last night.
The individual, identified as Jason John, is currently facing multiple legal charges. These include an attempt to evade law enforcement, violating a domestic violence protection order, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle, as detailed in a recent police department social media post.
John was last seen leaving the medical facility dressed in a distinctive blue hospital gown and white socks at approximately 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 10. Authorities believe he may be roaming the Cornwall neighborhood. He stands roughly 5 feet 11 inches tall and possesses distinctive facial tattoos, including a striking vertical red line that crosses his right eye and a script tattoo inked on his neck, as reported by police.
Members of the public are strongly encouraged to call 911 immediately should they have any information about John’s whereabouts. Bellingham Police Public Information Officer Megan Peters stated that there is probable cause for John’s arrest currently in place.
Peters elaborated that officers received a report just before 2 p.m. on Sunday, November 10, indicating that John had breached a no-contact order while the “victim was in a vehicle with him.” Shortly after this report, around 3 p.m., officers attempted to initiate a stop of John’s vehicle—a 2017 Toyota Camry—near the intersection of James Street and Woodstock Way, but were unsuccessful in their attempt.
Despite officers’ efforts, John continued to evade capture, driving towards Telegraph Road. Peters noted that he reportedly mounted a curb on Telegraph before colliding with a parked police patrol car. Fortunately, the two officers inside the vehicle escaped injury, while John was found unconscious. Subsequently, law enforcement transported him to the hospital for necessary medical treatment.
Peters clarified that because John was not officially under arrest while in the hospital, officers completed necessary paperwork to inform hospital staff about John’s pending custody upon his discharge. “Mr. John walked out of the hospital without hospital staff knowing,” she stated in an email. “They notified us when they realized he was gone.”
This story will be updated if more information becomes available.
Charlotte Alden is CDN’s general assignment/enterprise reporter; reach her at [email protected]; 360-922-3090 ext. 123.
**Interview with Bellingham Police Spokesperson Officer Sarah Thompson**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Officer Thompson. Can you tell us a little more about the situation involving Jason John and why his urgent return is so critical?
**Officer Thompson:** Thank you for having me. Jason John left PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center unexpectedly late last night, and we are very concerned for his safety as well as the safety of the community. He has multiple legal issues he’s currently facing, which raises our level of concern.
**Interviewer:** What legal charges is he facing, and how do they contribute to the urgency in locating him?
**Officer Thompson:** Jason is charged with attempting to evade law enforcement, violating a domestic violence protection order, and unlawfully taking a motor vehicle. Given these charges, it’s important that we find him quickly to ensure both his safety and that of anyone he may come into contact with.
**Interviewer:** Can you describe how Jason was last seen and if there are any specific traits that could help the community identify him?
**Officer Thompson:** Yes, he was last seen leaving the medical facility wearing a blue hospital gown and white socks around 8 p.m. on November 10. Jason stands about 5 feet 11 inches tall and has some distinctive facial tattoos, most notably a vertical red line crossing his right eye. This makes him easier to identify, and we urge the community to keep an eye out.
**Interviewer:** What steps are authorities currently taking to locate him, and how can the community assist in this search?
**Officer Thompson:** We’re actively patrolling the Cornwall neighborhood, where we believe he may be. We encourage the community to be vigilant and report any sightings or information they may have. If anyone sees Jason, we urge them to call 911 immediately rather than approach him, as we’re concerned about his emotional state given the circumstances.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Officer Thompson, for this important update. We hope for a safe resolution to this situation.
**Officer Thompson:** Thank you for your support in getting this information out to the community. It’s crucial we work together to ensure everyone’s safety.
