Deputies: Naked woman arrested after crashing car into high school in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Deputies arrested a 20-year-old woman Thursday morning after they said she crashed a car into a Bellingham school Thursday morning.

Before 7 a.m., dispatch received a request for a wellness check on a Lynden woman, who was later identified as Anna Hanson. Hanson was naked and drove away from a family member’s home, deputies said.

At 7:15 a.m., deputies at the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Laurel Substation heard a loud crash.

According to deputies, Hanson drove her car through the front doors of Meridian High School and crashed into a wall.

Investigators said Hanson got out of the car, went into a classroom upstairs and barricaded herself inside.

According to deputies, she allegedly vandalized the classroom, broke windows with a mallet, refused to come out and threatened to kill deputies and herself.

She later surrendered after more than an hour of negotiations.

“This dangerous and rapidly evolving situation was safely resolved by our deputies utilizing their training and resources to de-escalate the involved subject and gain her cooperation,” said Undersheriff Doug Chadwick. “Through the use of time, distance, and highly trained crisis negotiators, they were able to safely take the subject into custody. While there was significant property damage, we are thankful that there were no serious injuries to Ms. Hanson or any other persons on scene. Our thoughts are with the Meridian community as they rebuild and prepare for the upcoming school year.”

Hanson had minor cuts and was treated at the scene. She was arrested and booked into the Whatcom County Jail on suspicion of first-degree burglary and first-degree malicious mischief.

Deputies said damages to the school were estimated at $100,000.

Ms. Hanson had no serious injuries. She sustained minor cuts from the broken glass and was cleared by aid on the scene.

An early estimate of damages to the school was $100,000.

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