Driver in Bakerview crash allegedly inhaled compressed air before collision

PETER JENSEN - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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The driver of a car that caused a three-car crash on Bakerview Road Thursday night, Oct. 29, was allegedly inhaling compressed air and lost consciousness before crashing, a passenger told police.

Bellingham police cited Kristina A. Vogt, 20, of Lynden on suspicion of vehicular assault, Sgt. Mike Johnston said. She will be issued a summons when prosecutors file charges, he said.

Vogt was driving eastbound on Bakerview in a white Honda sedan with two passengers about 6:15 p.m. Thursday when she allegedly crossed into oncoming traffic, struck the left side of a pickup truck head on, and then rear-ended a minivan.

Larissa Prosch, 19, was in Vogt's front passenger seat and was ejected from the car. She suffered bruising, a 5- to 8-inch gash on her neck, and possibly a broken collarbone and internal injuries, Johnston said. She remains in satisfactory condition at St. Joseph Hospital, spokeswoman Noreen Fassler said.

A 16-year-old girl who also was a passenger in Vogt's car suffered a broken wrist, he said. She is also in satisfactory condition.

The passengers in the minivan and pickup truck did not suffer serious injuries, Johnston said.

Vogt was not seriously hurt in the crash, and was taken to St. Joseph Hospital for treatment and to have blood drawn for testing, Johnston said. She has been released from the hospital.

According to Prosch's statements to police:

Before the crash, the three in Vogt's car went to the Bakerview Fred Meyer to buy a can of dust remover, from which they sniffed compressed air in the parking lot.

They left Fred Meyer and began driving eastbound toward Vogt's apartment. When they stopped at the intersection at Deemer Road, Vogt sniffed more compressed air.

Prosch told her to stop and took the can. As they passed Bakerview Nursery and Garden Center, Vogt took the can back and sniffed again.

As the car approached the James Street Road intersection, Vogt lost consciousness and hit her head on the steering wheel. The car began to accelerate, so Prosch grabbed the steering wheel and tried to navigate the car through traffic, but doesn't remember crashing.