A man who is suspected of stealing a couple of beers from the bar at Bellingham Golf and Country Club reportedly proceeded to lead police on a chase . . . in golf carts.
The Bellingham Police Department booked Jesse Robert Anderson, 42, into Whatcom County Jail Sunday, June 26, on suspicion of first- and third-degree theft, harassment and obstruction. Jail records show bail has not yet been set for Anderson.
Police were contacted shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday after Bellingham Golf and Country Club employees reported having trouble with a person, Lt. Claudia Murphy told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
Officers learned from staff that a man, later identified as Anderson, had taken several beers without paying, Murphy reported. Employees managed to recover two of the beers, according to Murphy, and staff repeatedly asked Anderson to leave.
Two employees approached Anderson, who responded by telling them he would "blast" them and that he was "strapped," Murphy reported. Fearing Anderson would follow through on his threats, the employees continued to follow at a distance, continuing to ask him to leave.
Anderson left the bar area, went outside, stole a golf cart and drove out on the course, according to Murphy. Officers, also using golf carts, followed Anderson out on the course, which Murphy reported was "was quite easy as many patrons on the course flagged them down and pointed to where Anderson was heading."
Before police could catch up, Anderson returned to the clubhouse, ditched the golf card and went into the members-only locker room before leaving the building, according to Murphy.
Once he was in the parking lot, Anderson continued to ignore officers' commands to stop, Murphy reported, but they were able to surround him and arrest him near the entrance to the country club off Meridian Street.
The golf cart was valued at approximately $7,000, Murphy reported, while the stolen beer was worth about $20.
