Bellingham woman crashes into State Patrol trooper, flips SUV

ISABELLE DILLS - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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A 20-year-old Bellingham woman driving a Dodge Durango struck the back of a Washington State Patrol trooper's car about 3 p.m. Sunday, July 5, on Mount Baker Highway near Mission Road.

Trooper Jim Van Diest, 45, was heading east, patrolling the area after receiving a report of a person driving under the influence. He slowed his vehicle to make a left turn when he was struck by the SUV, State Patrol spokesman and trooper Keith Leary said.

During the collision, Van Diest's car was pushed forward but remained in the same lane, Leary said. The SUV crossed the center line and rolled over the westbound lanes, coming to rest on the shoulder near the grass and trees, he said.

Firefighters cut the roof of the SUV off to get the driver out.

Van Diest suffered neck pain and was transported to St. Joseph Hospital. The driver of the SUV, Elysha Scheenstra, was taken to the hospital with nonlife-threatening injuries.

Alcohol is not suspected as a factor in the crash, and there will be no criminal charges, Leary said.