First responders were dispatched to the roundabout at the intersection of Grandview and Kickerville Roads due to a report of rollover crash shortly after 10pm Thursday, August 15th. Whatcom County Fire District 7 personnel, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Washington State Patrol troopers responded.
WCFD7 Assistant Fire Chief Dean Crosswhite said there was 1 vehicle involved and it appeared to have failed to navigate the roundabout, ending up on its roof in a dry ditch on the north side of the west leg of the intersection.
Crosswhite said 1 patient, the driver and only occupant of the car, was transported by aid to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center under basic life support (BLS) protocol.
WCFD7 personnel used a power tool commonly known as the “Jaws of Life” to get the driver out of the vehicle Crosswhite said.
Grandview Road was partially blocked by first responders vehicles for about 30 minutes after the crash.
Washington State Patrol Trooper Heather Axtman said the driver, James Beiting, was charged with suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). Axtman said the car that ended up in the ditch was a 1978 Datsun 280-Z with collector plates.