Argument over Covid-19 ends at Whatcom County jail

Two Blaine roommates had an altercation over Covid-19 that ended in one being booked into Whatcom County Jail on fourth degree assault.

On August 22 at 8:56 p.m., Blaine police responded to a domestic violence report at the 200 block of 15th Street. When police arrived at the residence, they learned one roommate thought he had Covid-19 after being in contact with someone who tested positive, although the victim had not been tested, said a Blaine Police Department spokesperson.

The roommate with possible Covid-19 was intoxicated and refused to wear a mask in the residence, according to the police report.

The other roommate, Scott Adam Dettmar, and his daughter began throwing the victim’s belongings outside when the victim refused to leave the residence because he had paid rent until September 1, the BPD spokesperson said.

Dettmar then allegedly grabbed his roommate by the neck and pushed him outside. Officers observed finger prints and scratches around the victim’s neck but no medical attention was needed. The victim did not retaliate against Dettmar and Dettmar denied allegations, according to the BPD spokesperson.

Dettmar was arrested and booked into Whatcom County Jail that night and released August 23 on an $1,000 appearance bond, according to jail booking data.

Wendy Jones, Whatcom County chief corrections deputy, could not speak specifically to Dettmar’s booking but said every offender is asked questions on potential Covid-19 exposure when entering the jail.

If their response indicates a possible exposure, the offender will be asked to do a temperature check, placed in a N95 mask and isolated until medical staff clears them. Medical staff will then conduct a nasal swab and a Covid-19 antibody test on inmates who exhibit signs of Covid-19 after additional questions.

As of August 31, there have been no positive Covid-19 cases in the jail. Eight staff and 23 inmates have been tested since the beginning of the pandemic, Jones said.

To date, 1,106 people in Whatcom County have tested positive for Covid-19, according to the Washington State Department of Health.