DUI suspect arrested after New Year’s Eve hit and run formally charged with one felony
A Whatcom County man who was arrested following a reckless drive along Mount Baker Highway on New Year’s Eve has been charged with one felony and multiple misdemeanor infractions.
Several motorists reportedly witnessed Ivan Leo Matthew Edwards II, 24, driving recklessly at high speeds on Mount Baker Highway. He allegedly rear-ended another vehicle at Nugents Corner, a roundabout on Mount Baker Highway near Cedarville. Edwards then fled south to Smith Road, where the vehicle broke down and caught fire, Trooper Anthony Reese of Washington State Patrol told The Herald in December.
When people came to help the suspect, Edwards punched one person in the face and elbowed another, authorities said. He was eventually restrained when emergency services arrived and was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center, where he allegedly threatened hospital staff.
Edwards has since been charged with third-degree assault of a health care worker which is a class C felony. He also will face gross misdemeanor charges of fourth-degree assault, minor in possession of alcohol, hit and run of an attended vehicle and driving while under the influence. He was also charged with driving with a suspended license, a misdemeanor.
Edwards originally was booked into the Whatcom County jail but has since been released from custody.
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