WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A man has been found guilty in the shooting of two Whatcom County deputies following a confrontation with his neighbor in 2022.
On Thursday, the jury found Joel Berck Young guilty of two counts of second-degree attempted murder with firearm enhancements. There was also an aggravator for the offense being against law enforcement acting in their official capacity.
The incident on Feb. 10, 2022, stemmed from a confrontation between Young and his neighbor, who was burning garbage in the Maple Falls neighborhood. Smoke was going into Young’s house, which police said “enraged him.”
Young and the neighbor argued before Young got a shotgun and fired birdshot into the air, prompting witnesses to call 911.
Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Deputies Ryan Rathbun and Jay Thompson arrived on scene and told Young to drop the gun.
Deputies said Young, who appeared intoxicated, yelled at them and fired at the deputies. Before opening fire, Young said, "I don't care if you're cops. I'm going to blow your head off," according to court documents.
Both of the deputies were shot in the face. Two neighbors shot back at Young, allowing the deputies to scramble for cover.
It was a long road to recovery for the deputies. Rathbun almost lost his left eye in the shooting, and Thompson had a traumatic brain injury. After extensive treatment and therapy, the deputies returned to patrol with the sheriff's office.
The trial got underway Sept. 11 with opening statements.
Young’s sentencing date has not yet been set.
KING 5's Eric Wilkinson contributed to this report.
