Seattle – A 39-year-old Everson, Washington resident was charged federally late today with being a felon in possession of a firearm, announced First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Nathaniel A. Muniz-Spry was taken into custody at a Whatcom County hospital following an early morning shooting yesterday June 16, 2026, near the U.S. /Canada border in Blaine.
According to records filed in the case, U.S. Border Patrol agents were sent to the area near the U.S./Canada border after a surveillance camera showed someone walking in an area that is a frequent location for illegal border crossings and smuggling activity. Agents encountered Muniz-Spry and worked to confirm his identity. During the encounter, agents learned that there was an “approach with caution” alert in his NCIC records stemming from a prior contact with law enforcement. When officers searched Muniz-Spry an officer felt a gun at his waistband. Muniz-Spry resisted and ultimately broke away as the agent secured the gun. Muniz-Spry attempted to flee, and was shot in the leg. He was taken to the hospital for medical care and was released later in the day to law enforcement.
Muniz-Spry is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to his criminal convictions: Unlawful possession of a firearm (Skagit County 2018); Unlawful possession of a short barreled shotgun or rifle (Skagit County 2018); Possession of a stolen vehicle (Skagit County 2018); Bail jumping (Whatcom County 2018); Unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree (Whatcom County 2018); Burglary in the second degree (Whatcom County 2014); Bail jumping (Whatcom County 2014); Felony violation of a no contact order (Whatcom County 2011); and Residential burglary (Whatcom County 2009).
The Case is being investigated by the FBI with assistance from Blaine Police Department, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, Homeland Security Investigation (HSI), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas Woods with assistance from the Whatcom County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Press contact for the U.S. Attorney’s Office is Communications Director Emily Langlie at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@usdoj.gov.