Driver allegedly sped toward pedestrian crossing the street, then stopped and got out
A driver was arrested on a felony assault charge after police said he attacked a pedestrian Tuesday, May 14, in downtown Bellingham.
Bellingham Police Lt. Claudia Murphy said Jesse Lee Schooler, 30, was driving his truck in the 1600 block of Cornwall Avenue, just north of York, when a man crossed mid-block in front of him.
Murphy said the victim, a 25-year-old Bellingham man, told police that Schooler sped up as the victim crossed the street.
“The victim shouted at Schooler to slow down, and Schooler pulled into a nearby parking lot, and the two men got into a fist fight,” Murphy said. “During the fight, Schooler picked up the victim and body slammed him to the ground.”
She said firefighters took the victim to St .Joseph’s hospital for treatment of head injuries.
Schooler drove away, but police arrested him on suspicion of second-degree assault near Mac’s Motel on Samish Way, Murphy said.
According to the Whatcom County Jail website, Schooler was released on his own recognizance Wednesday.
His next court appearance is scheduled for May 24.
This story was originally published May 17, 2019 at 9:00 AM.
