News Update

POSTED: Friday, Sep. 25, 2009

Reese Hill Road crash could be hit and run

A Washington State Patrol detective is investigating a rollover crash near Sumas Thursday afternoon, Sept. 24, as a felony hit-and-run case.

Rudi Helbig, 85, of Maple Falls was driving north on Reese Hill Road near Bishop Road at about 1:30 p.m. when his Chevy pickup truck went off the road, hit a dirt embankment and rolled, Trooper Keith Leary said.

Helbig remained at St. Joseph Hospital in critical condition Friday, spokeswoman Noreen Fassler said.

Leary said witnesses told troopers that a motorcyclist was trying to pass Helbig at a high rate of speed, which may have caused him to swerve and lose control of his truck.

The motorcycle continued driving, according to witness reports. Leary did not have a description of the motorcycle or its rider.

If the motorcyclist caused the crash and left the scene, it could be legally sufficient for a felony hit-and-run charge, Leary said.

A medical condition also may have played a role in the crash, Leary said.

Any witnesses to this crash should call Detective Don Cunningham at (360) 658-2588.