Friday’s crash sent two people to the hospital and blocked the intersection during the evening commute hours.
According to Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office Undersheriff Jeff Parks, several witnesses at the scene said they saw a black van run the stop sign, causing the accident. Just minutes before the crash, law enforcement had been alerted by radio to be on the watch for a van matching the description of the one in the crash. The driver had not been allowed to purchase alcohol at a nearby convenience store since he appeared to be intoxicated and then drove away from the store.
The van driver was still sitting in the driver’s seat when WCSO deputies arrived at the scene. There were no passengers in the van.
The van’s driver, Adam B. Petersen, age 42, of Ferndale, was booked at the Whatcom County Jail for driving under the influence (DUI). Prior to booking, Petersen was taken to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for evaluation.
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Click for more informationAnother driver was also transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center for evaluation. Their condition was not considered serious at the time but Parks had no further information on their condition.
Petersen has since been released on $1000 bond.