BELLINGHAM - A Bellingham man suspected of driving drunk crashed into a semi truck at the West Bakerview Road off-ramp Monday afternoon, Feb. 18.

Paul Lawrence Hanson, 48, was driving a white '96 Pontiac Grand Am at 12:34 p.m. when he veered from a northbound lane of Interstate 5 onto the off-ramp, according to the Washington State Patrol. The Pontiac struck a Volvo semi truck that was exiting the freeway. The car was totaled.

Hanson was rushed to St. Joseph hospital for injuries not considered life-threatening. He was released soon afterward.

Investigators believe Hanson was driving under the influence. Charges are pending.

The semi driver, a 49-year-old man from Vancouver, Wash., wasn't hurt. He wore a seatbelt. According to the state patrol, his vehicle took some damage but was still drivable.

Authorities closed the off-ramp during the investigation.

Reach Caleb Hutton at 360-715-2276 or caleb.hutton@bellinghamherald.com. Read his dispatcher blog at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/dispatcher or follow him on Twitter at @bhamcrime.