Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Ferndale Police officers had been watching for a black pickup truck in the area after receiving a report the driver may have been driving under the influence according to radio transmissions. A deputy reported turning around to catch up with what appeared to be the vehicle after it was seen heading north on Vista Drive from Fox Road doing about 80mph.
The deputy’s vehicle hit some debris in the road after the corner where Vista Drive becomes Bay Road disabling his vehicle. He then reported the pickup truck had crashed at the same location and requested aid for the unconscious driver who had been ejected in the crash.
Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) firefighters and aid crews were dispatched at 10:53pm, May 7th, to an address in the 2900 block of Bay Road.
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Click for more informationWCFD7 Fire Chief Larry Hoffman said they transported the driver via a medic unit to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham under advanced life support (ALS) protocol due to the extent of his injuries.
According to a press memo from the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the driver was identified as Devon W Hill, age 36, of Ferndale.
WSP investigators determined the black 1997 Toyota pickup truck was westbound on Bay Road when it left the roadway into a yard, struck property and came to rest on its top. It was determined Hill had not been wearing his seatbelt. Investigators did not report but had not ruled out that alcohol or drugs as being a factor in the crash.
WSP cited speed as the cause of the crash and the possibility of charges remained under investigation. No charges appeared to have been filed as of 7am, May 8th according to Whatcom County Jail records.