University Police terminated the employment of officer Robert Anderson on Thursday, July 11, over allegations that he assaulted a suspect unaffiliated with Western Washington University trying to break into one of the arresting officer’s personal vehicles on Jan. 20.
According to a statement by Katy Potts, University Police Chief, “While being searched and moved into the police car, [the suspect] was struck in the face by the arresting officer. This action was confirmed by body camera and audio recordings.”
Following the Jan. 20 event, University Police began an internal investigation, recruiting the help of the Bellingham Police Department. After identifying potential criminal activity, Potts said in a statement that the BPD then referred the case to the Mount Vernon Police Department for further investigation.
Once Mount Vernon Police concluded their investigation, the case was forwarded to the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office for review, according to Potts. She was then contacted and informed on July 8 that the county would be pursuing charges of assault in the fourth degree against Anderson.
As of July 11, Anderson’s job with the University Police Department has been terminated, and the accompanying officer in the Jan. 20 arrest, who wasn’t named in the statement, has been placed on administrative leave.
Anderson was a new hire to the University Police Department, joining Dec. 1, 2023, according to a news release from the university. He came to Western Washington University after more than 15 years of service, the past three with the Lummi Nation Police Department as a drug interdiction and patrol officer.
The Front couldn't reach Potts for comment, so it's unknown whether the other officer involved in the Jan. 20 incident was placed on paid administrative leave, which officer's vehicle was reportedly being broken into, or whether the individual who broke into the officer’s car was known to them.
In her statement to the university, Potts acknowledged Anderson’s actions as being misaligned with the values of the UPD, emphasizing the obligation of officers to treat community members with dignity, respect and restraint.
“As the chief of police, I will continue to hold our department accountable and ensure that our officers use force appropriately and responsibly, and only when objectively reasonable based on the circumstances,” Potts said. “This is essential for protecting the rights of individuals and for our community at large.”
Morgan Merriam (she/her) is the editor-in-chief for The Front this quarter. Previously, she has been a reporter for campus news, managing editor, campus news/life editor and a public relations representative for The Front. Morgan is in her senior year at Western, majoring in journalism/public relations with a minor in sociology. Outside of the newsroom, she enjoys jewelry making, baking and volunteer dog walking. You can reach her at morganmerriam.thefront@gmail.com or eic.westernfront@gmail.com
