Hey, I know this stuff happens in smaller towns and bigger cities too, but every time I see an article like this in our local paper, The Bellingham Herald, it just seems to fit our humble population of 80K.

(Note: I’ve changed the name of the man referred to in the headline, as there’s already been enough embarrassment.)

Bellingham man hits his own boat, car during Monday evening fight

BELLINGHAM – A man who allegedly threatened to hit someone with a metal pipe, then got into his truck and backed into his own parked car and boat, was arrested around 6:50 p.m. Monday, Aug. 6.

John Doe, 27, was arguing with his girlfriend at a get-together in the 3500 block of Northwest Avenue when another man at the gathering tried to break up the fight. Doe, who had been shouting at people to move their cars so he could pull out, picked up a metal pipe and threatened to hit the man, said Bellingham Police Sgt. Jason Monson.

Doe dropped the pipe and punched the man in the head, Monson said. The victim did not need to go to the hospital.

Afterward, Doe got into his truck and backed across the lawn, hitting a parked car and boat that both belong to him, Monson said. Alcohol use was not involved, Monson said.

Doe was booked into Whatcom County Jail on investigation of second-degree assault and obstructing law enforcement.