WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – An incarcerated Lummi Nation man is facing additional federal charges for killing endangered birds.

Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller says that Lummi Nation Police received a call from a witness who heard gunshots on the reservation in February.

While on the phone with officers, the witness observed the suspect pick a deceased bald eagle off of the ground and another eagle falling from a tree on their property. Police later found a car matching the description from the witness with a dead eagle and rifle in the back seat.

The bird that fell from the tree initially survived and was taken to the Whatcom Humane Society but was later euthanized due to its injuries. Both birds were determined to be juvenile bald eagles with gunshot wounds.

The suspect, 38-year-old Joel Ridley, was arrested and released two days later on bond.

KGMI previously reported that Ridley was taken back into custody on March 26 after being accused of possessing child pornography.