Bellingham man in custody after fatal morning crash that closed key intersection
A 28-year-old Bellingham man was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide, driving under the influence, car theft and other charges related to a deadly crash Thursday morning north of Bellingham.
A 61-year-old Lynden man was killed in the crash, which closed the intersection of Northwest Drive and West Axton Road about 5:45 a.m. Thursday, Whatcom County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald.
The identity of the crash victim wasn’t immediately released. The suspect in custody has yet to be formally charged.
“Witnesses reported that one of the drivers was on foot, leaving the scene,” Slater said in an email. “Deputies located (a man) matching the description of the other driver who walked away, later identified as the 28-year-old (suspect). (The suspect) had fresh blood and cuts on his hands and bruises consistent with being in a collision while wearing a seat belt.”
Witnesses told authorities they saw the suspect driving “at a high rate of speed” on Northwest, running through a four-way stop at Axton Road, where he hit another driver, Slater said. Witness reports were confirmed by surveillance camera footage from local businesses, she said.
Firefighters had to cut the victim out of the car, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The intersection of Northwest and Axton was closed for several hours during the investigation, Slater said.
“While on scene, Bellingham Police officers learned that a vehicle had been reported stolen from the 200 block of Bakerview Road. Security footage from the residence showed (the suspect) taking the vehicle,” Slater said.
Online Whatcom County Jail records indicate the suspect was booked at 10:56 a.m. Thursday on charges of driving with a suspended license, driving under the influence, vehicular homicide, third-degree theft, theft of a motor vehicle and possession of a stolen vehicle. Bail was not initially allowed.
