On February 10th, 2022, deputies Ryan Rathbun and Jason Thompson responded to a call in Maple Falls, Washington, about a belligerent resident, 60-year-old Joel Burke Young. Young had been discharging a shotgun into the air and making verbal threats against his neighbors. The situation escalated, and Young shot at the deputies, hitting them with birdshot in their faces. Neighbors, who were armed, returned fire and helped the wounded deputies. The deputies managed to escape and transport themselves to a nearby fire hall, where they received medical attention. Young was eventually arrested and faces several felony charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder. Both deputies made full recoveries and were awarded the state Medal of Honor. Young is still awaiting trial as of January 2024.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. On February 10th, 2022, 911 dispatchers in Maple Falls, Washington received multiple complaints about a belligerent resident.
2. Deputies Ryan Rathbun and Jason Thompson of the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office responded to the call.
3. The suspect, 60-year-old Joel Burke Young, was discharging a shotgun into the air and making verbal threats against his neighbors.
4. Young had previously threatened to kill his neighbors if they called the police.
5. Deputies Rathbun and Thompson attempted to communicate with Young, but he refused to cooperate and became increasingly agitated.
6. Young shot at the deputies, hitting them with birdshot in their faces.
7. The deputies retreated and were aided by nearby residents who took up arms to defend against Young.
8. One of the neighbors unloads an entire magazine into the window of Young's house.
9. The injured deputies were transported to the hospital in a van, where they received medical attention.
10. Law enforcement officials, including armored vehicles, surrounded Young's house and eventually took him into custody.
11. Young was arrested at 6:03 p.m. on February 10th, 2022.
12. Both deputies suffered wounds but made full recoveries and returned to duty nearly a year after the incident.
13. Deputies Rathbun and Thompson were each awarded the state Medal of Honor in May 2023.
14. Joel Burke Young faces several felony charges, including two counts of attempted first-degree murder.
15. Young pleaded not guilty at his arraignment on February 18th, 2022, and remains in custody at the Skagit County Jail as of January 2024.