News Update

POSTED: Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2009

Suspect arrested in Ferndale wood shop crash

Police have arrested a woman who allegedly crashed a stolen SUV into a wood shop in Ferndale, injuring a man inside the shop Monday, Nov. 30.

Courtney A. Solomon, 20, of Lummi Reservation, was booked into Whatcom County Jail early Tuesday morning for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle, felony hit and run with injuries and third-degree driving with a suspended license, said Whatcom County Sheriff's Sgt. Larry Flynn. Solomon also had two outstanding warrants from Bellingham: minor in possession of alcohol and third-degree driving with a sus-pended license.

She was arrested after a traffic stop on the south side of Bellingham at about 1:45 a.m. Tuesday. Solomon was found hiding under a blanket in the back seat of the car that had been pulled over, Flynn said.

Earlier Monday, Solomon allegedly lost control of a 1995 Chevy Suburban while going around a corner and crashed into a wood shop in the 4100 block of Rural Avenue at about 9:30 a.m. She allegedly tried to drive off after the crash but only made it about 100 yards before the SUV stopped moving from the damage. She then fled the scene, according to the Sheriff's Office.

The Suburban had been stolen from Lummi Reservation early Monday morning.

The 66-year-old shop owner suffered some back injuries but did not go to the hospital. The shop was ex-tensively damaged and likely a total loss, according to the Sheriff's Office.