A 46-year-old homeless man was arrested Monday, April 18, after allegedly walking into Shuksan Middle School, where he made strange statements and pulled out a closed pocket knife.

Eric S. Freeman was booked into Whatcom County Jail for investigation of felony harassment and making threats.

Freeman walked into the middle school, 2717 Alderwood Ave., at about 9:30 a.m. He walked into main office, which is separated with a glass partition, and demanded someone call federal authorities, said Bellingham Police spokesman Mark Young. When the employee tried to get more information, Freeman allegedly pulled out a closed pocket knife and slammed it down on a counter, Young said. He also provided his name to the employee.

Freeman then left the school, which was put on lockdown as a safety precaution, Young said.

Officers arrived within moments, searching the school and the surrounding area, but Freeman was not located.

At about 1:35 p.m., a citizen called 911 after spotting a man matching the description of Freeman walking in the 500 block of West Bakerview Road, Young said. Officers arrested Freeman.

Freeman is also suspected of walking into the Opportunity Council office, 1111 Cornwall Ave., at about 2 p.m. Friday, April 15, and making threats to employees, Young said.

The employees told officers that Freeman came into the office, demanded immediate service for his homeless issue and threatened to return with a gun. He left the nonprofit and could not be located.