Suspects in Whatcom Co. drug investigation accused of assaulting witness while out on bail

Jack Belcher
·1 min read
1

Whatcom County authorities arrested two Lyden residents for possible witness tampering following a monthslong investigation by the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force.

Officers arrested Benjamin Vallejo, 46, and Ashley M. Andrews, 31, on April 25 for numerous weapon and drug charges. Both posted bail — $6,000 for Vallejo and $750 for Andrews — on April 27.

Vallejo and Andrews are accused of visiting a witness in their case on April 28 and assaulting the witness.

The witness told authorities he was physically assaulted by Vallejo, and that Vallejo yelled “I’m going to kill you” during the assault. The witness reported being punched in the face five to six times, the assault only stopping when the witness threatened to call police.

Detectives, assisted by Whatcom County Deputies and the Lynden Police Department, located Vallejo and Andrews at their residence in the 8800 block of Depot Road in Lynden and took them into custody without incident.

Vallejo and Andrews have been arrested on suspicion of intimidating a witness, a class C felony, and first-degree burglary for intimidating and assaulting the victim in their home. Vallejo also was arrested on suspicion of second-degree assault in the commission of a felony.

Vallejo and Andrews are back in custody at Whatcom County Jail.