WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — A bench warrant has been issued for the arrest of King Arthur Solomon, age 45 and of Bellingham, after he failed to appear in Whatcom County Superior Court where he faces a felony charge of vehicular homicide.
Whatcom County Superior Court records indicate Solomon, while out of custody on $30,000 bond, failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on February 8th. During a subsequent hearing on March 6th, the bond was ordered to be forfeited and a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
A passenger was declared dead at the scene and Solomon and another passenger were transported to the hospital after the pickup truck they were in rolled on S Red River Road on Sunday, June 9, 2019.
A Washington State Patrol (WSP) press memo said the silver 2004 Ford F350 was southbound on S River Road from Slater Road about when it failed to negotiate a curve, lost control and rolled twice before hitting a power pole. A 30-year-old passenger died in the crash. Solomon was identified as the driver.
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Click for more informationCourt documents said it was determined Solomon was passing another vehicle in a no passing zone when the crash occurred. He was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected from the Ford during the crash. He was reported to have been drinking alcoholic beverages during a family gathering prior to the crash.
This is the second time Solomon’s bond has been forfeited during this case. A $20,000 bond was ordered after he was arrested for driving under the influence on April 12, 2022, violating a no driving requirement while out of custody, and an arrest warrant was issued. Prosecutors had asked for bail be set at $1,000,000.
Solomon posted the $20,000 bond on May 4, 2022. This was forfeited after failing to appear at a scheduled hearing on October 17, 2022. An arrest warrant was again issued. This warrant was subsequently quashed based on an appeal by the defense and Solomon was booked into Whatcom County Jail on October 25, 2022.
Bond was then increased to $30,000 by the court which he posted on November 14, 2022. He failed to appear for a scheduled court hearing on February 8th. During a subsequent hearing on March 6th, the bond was ordered to be forfeited and a bench warrant issued for his arrest.
On March 13th, a felony charge of bail jumping was added to the current court case and the bond requirement, once he is returned to the court, has been increased to $50,000 or $5,000 cash.
UPDATE 3/24/23: According to court records, Solomon was arrested and placed into custody.