Known gang member being held on $500,000 bail

Juan Miguel Garcia, a 21-year-old Mount Vernon man, was arrested March 11 in connection with a Feb. 16 drive-by shooting at the Moose Lodge in Mount Vernon. He is being held in Skagit County jail on $500,000 bail.

Mount Vernon police enlisted help from the U.S. Marshall’s office in the arrest.

Garcia has been charged with drive-by shooting, unlawful possession of a firearm and three counts of first degree assault with a firearm.

Each of his five charges carries $100,000 bail.

Just before midnight Feb. 16, the Mount Vernon Police Department responded to a report of gunshots fired in the area of the Moose Lodge, located on the parking revetment downtown at 813 S. First St.

A birthday party at the lodge was dispersing at the time, said Jill Boudreau, public information officer for Mount Vernon police.

When officers arrived, three Mount Vernon men, ages 17, 18 and 20, had received wounds to their legs from a handgun.

None of the injuries were life-threatening, Boudreau said, and all were treated and released at Skagit Valley Hospital.

She said several cars in the area were also damaged by bullets from the handgun.

At the scene of the drive-by shooting, officers obtained information on possible suspects, and were able to determine the shooting was likely between local factions of the Norteño and Sureño gangs, Boudreau said.

Witnesses exhibited characteristics of gang culture, and the accused is also a known member of a gang, she said.

The U.S. Marshall Service helped with manpower during the arrest, which took place in the 300 block of Stanford Drive in Mount Vernon, and with surveillance prior to Garcia’s apprehension, Boudreau said.