OSO — Police banned a Bellingham man from the Oso mudslide search area, saying he is an imposter.
Shayne Barco claimed to be with a search and rescue crew. He was quoted in news stories and photographed scouring the debris with a German Shepherd.
Police got wind of the man after seeing photographs from the scene on his blog, Washington State Patrol trooper Mark Francis said.
“They were unauthorized photos and grabbed our attention,” Francis said.
On Thursday, a State Patrol lieutenant spotted the man on the east side of the debris field.
“He looked the part,” Francis said.
The man claimed he had checked in on the west side days earlier. He also denied that he said he was with Whatcom County Search and Rescue, Francis said.
The man was trespassed from the area and told not to return. The man’s actions remain under investigation and he could face possible charges, Francis said.
