BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Fairhaven man was arrested after a woman accused him of holding her against her will.

Bellingham Police spokesperson Megan Peters says that several people called 911 to report a woman running and screaming for help early on Thursday, June 13.

Officers located the woman at a nearby gas station, where she reported meeting up with the suspect at his apartment.

She said that the suspect, 40-year-old John Ferlin, came up behind her and covered her mouth with a rag soaked in rubbing alcohol. He choked her and prevented her from leaving while making statements about sexually assaulting her and killing her.

She was able to break away from him and ran off to get help.

Officers arresting Ferlin found crack cocaine in his possession, along with other drug paraphernalia.

 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic/sexual violence, call 800-656-HOPE (4673) to reach the National Sexual Assault Hotline.