Driver faces felony eluding charge after jumping into Nooksack River

FERNDALE, Wash. — Whatcom County Superior Court records provide details on an incident that occurred during the evening commute on Monday, August 31, 2026, resulting in both lanes of Slater Road being closed after a man parked his vehicle on the Nooksack River bridge and jumped into the river.

Approximate location of the incident

According to an affidavit of probable cause filed in Whatcom County Superior Court, a Lummi Nation Police Department (LNPD) officer observed a 2000 Dodge Ram van traveling eastbound near the 2900 block of Slater Road about 5:30pm. About 30% of the front windshield and the passenger-side window were reportedly obstructed by furniture, trash, and debris, and both rear windows were completely obstructed.

According to the affidavit, the officer observed the van drift left toward westbound traffic, crossing the centerline with both left tires. The officer activated his vehicle’s emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. The driver continued eastbound past Imhoff Road, accelerated, and passed Ferndale Road. Near Ferndale Road, the driver entered the westbound lane to pass another vehicle, nearly colliding head-on with oncoming traffic. The officer estimated the vehicle reached 60mph in a 50mph zone.

According to the affidavit, the vehicle stopped on the bridge over the Nooksack River. The driver exited the van, went over the bridge railing, ending up in the river. He then swam about 380 yards south. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies took the driver into custody at the end of Rayhorst Road.

The driver was identified as a 51-year-old man. According to the affidavit, the man stated during an interview with law enforcement that he fled because he had outstanding warrants and did not want to go to jail. He also stated the vehicle lacked insurance and lacked a required ignition interlock device.

According to Whatcom County Jail booking records, he was booked into custody by Bellingham Police about 7:40pm.

According to court filings, prosecutors charged him on September 1, 2026, with the following.

attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle (felony)
ignition interlock device violation (gross misdemeanor)
3rd-degree driving while license suspended (misdemeanor)
obstructing a law enforcement officer (gross misdemeanor)

According to court minutes, at a preliminary appearance on September 1, 2026, bail was set by the court at $20,000 appearance bond or $2,000 cash. The court granted a state request prohibiting driving as a condition of release and granted a defense request permitting him to reside in King County.

As of September 10, 2026, he remains in custody at the Whatcom County Jail while awaiting trial.