FERNDALE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Ferndale man has been arrested after allegedly attempting to extort a family member.

Whatcom County Sheriff’s spokesperson Deb Slater says the victim had been given a phone and money by the suspect.

When the suspect demanded both the phone and money be returned, the victim attempted to return both but was not able to access the suspect’s property.

During an ensuing phone call on Wednesday, April 3 the suspect threatened to beat the victim and take their two children if the items weren’t returned.

The suspect, 24-year-old Erick Mondragon-Gomez, confirmed to deputies that he had gotten upset with the victim.

He remains at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.