Permanent protection order against accused Bellingham police officer denied

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Photo: Saga Communications/Dave Walker

WHATCOM COUNTY, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A protection order request against a Bellingham Police officer accused of assault has been denied.

Whatcom County Superior Court Commissioner Ann Vetter-Hansen made the decision on Monday, June 17, in the case against Bellingham Police Sgt. Joshua McKissick.

Court documents state that Vetter-Hansen found there wasn’t sufficient evidence to grant the two-year protection order.

A person known to McKissick claimed that he physically and sexually assaulted them; they were initially granted a temporary protection order in February 2024. But in May, the Skagit County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office declined to file charges against McKissick due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

A temporary order prohibiting McKissick from possessing firearms will remain in effect through at least Thursday, June 27.

McKissick has been on administrative leave since the temporary protection order was issued.

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