Tag: skagit county

By Caleb Hutton

Sheriff Bill Elfo is asking for the public’s help in tracking down a known gang member who’s not abiding by the terms of his parole.

David Joseph Veliz, 27, of Skagit County, has frequented the Lynden area and is a confirmed member of a Sureno gang, Elfo said.

He has a long history of violent crime.

In 2010, for example, Veliz broke into a car parked outside the Bellingham Costco, according to court records. The car’s owner came back from shopping his wife and toddler son. Veliz refused to give up a bag of stolen goods, then pulled out a knife. The man pulled out a knife, too. Veliz fled, but was later arrested.

Veliz is 5-foot-6 and weighs 130 pounds. If you see him or know where he’s staying, call 911.

In a written statement, Elfo said it’s “frustrating to law enforcement that … Veliz’s continued liberty places our community at risk.”

Correction: Veliz’s age was corrected Friday morning.