BLAINE, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Blaine man died while in federal custody following a car crash and brief chase near the border.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said in a news release on Thursday that the man passed away near the Peace Arch Port of Entry on Sept. 20.
Whatcom County Medical Examiner Dr. Aldo Fusaro confirmed his identity as 43-year-old Trinn Hatch.
CBP says Hatch crashed into a curb near the inspection lanes just after 10 p.m. before trying to run away. Border protection officers noticed a handgun fall from his waist as he ran and took him into custody following a brief foot chase.
Officers say Hatch continued to resist them, so they placed handcuffs and leg restraints on him and used a wheelchair to transport him into a secondary inspection area.
Hatch didn’t respond when officers tried to wake him up and they couldn’t find a pulse, so they called 911 and tried to revive him to no avail.
Whatcom County EMS arrived and continued lifesaving measures but declared him dead roughly an hour after the incident began.
Border Protection Officers later found cocaine, marijuana, ketamine and a THC vape in a fanny pack he was wearing.
A preliminary autopsy by the Whatcom County Medical Examiner indicated that Hatch had a major artery blockage, but Fusaro says toxicology results are still pending.
CBP’s Office of Professional Responsibility is reviewing the incident.
