BELLINGHAM, Wash. – A repeat offender who escaped community custody is back behind bars at the Whatcom County Jail.

Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy says an officer was working on a separate case on Iowa Street near I-5 early Saturday when they saw the suspect wielding a wooden stake at a nearby gas station.

The officer recognized the suspect and commanded him to drop his weapon.

The suspect instead ran off toward the McDonalds on King Street while still holding the stake and ignoring orders to stop.

He eventually dropped the weapon near the I-5 on ramp at Iowa Street but took a fighting stance.

The suspect, 23-year-old Christian Dillard, was finally taken into custody following a struggle with officers.

He even punched one in the face.

Dillard was recently arrested for allegedly breaking a window in the Whatcom County Jail lobby.

He was on a temporary release to the crisis stabilization unit from that incident when he escaped last Friday, June 9th.

Dillard has also been connected to other serious crimes, including assault, burglary and property damage.