A fugitive from Colorado accused of shooting a Lummi Nation police officer seven times during a traffic check made his first court appearance.
Jesus Penualas-Agramon, 23, was arraigned on attempted murder and related charges in Whatcom County Court on Wednesday, July 30, after allegedly opening fire on a Lummi Nation police officer, according to sheriff’s officials. He was jailed without bail.
The shooting happened just before 1 a.m. Monday, July 28, along the 3200 block of North Red River Road, as Puget Press reported.
The officer came across a white Ford Ranger in a ditch and approached to check on the driver. As Penualas-Agramon climbed out through the passenger-side window, he pulled a semi-automatic handgun and began shooting without warning, according to police.
Penualas-Agramon, a wanted fugitive out of Colorado, fired at least 10 rounds at the officer, hitting him seven times, police said.
The officer, who has been with the Lummi Nation Police Department for less than a year, was in full uniform and driving a marked patrol vehicle. He received emergency medical aid at the scene and underwent surgery. He remains hospitalized.
After fleeing the scene, Penualas-Agramon was picked up by an acquaintance, police said. Investigators identified him from body cam footage and surveillance and located him at a residence in Ferndale. He was arrested without incident by SWAT officers and treated for crash-related injuries before being booked into the Whatcom County Jail.
Penualas-Agramon, who initially used a false name, was identified through fingerprint analysis, police said. Authorities later confirmed he is wanted in Colorado for violating parole related to drug charges.
He now faces charges including first-degree attempted murder, unlawful possession of a firearm, and possession of a stolen firearm.
The investigation is being led by the Law Enforcement Mutual Aid Response Team (LEMART), with updates expected from the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office as the case progresses.
Want more breaking news and feature stories? Follow Puget Press – Whatcom County on Facebook.
