BELLINGHAM, Wash. — First responders were dispatched to a report of a crash in the area of Lakeway Drive and Racine Street about 12:35am on Saturday, September 10th. Bellingham Police Department (BPD) officers reported via radio that they arrived to find a pickup truck versus a power pole crash and a person on the ground.
At least 1 patient was transported from the scene by Bellingham Fire Department medics to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center.
Lakeway Drive was closed between Woburn Street and Puget Street while first responders worked the crash scene. The light pole was reportedly down on the ground. Bellingham Police Department officials said they had crime scene and traffic investigators on scene.
About 8am, BPD officials reported Lakeway Drive was reopened to all traffic.
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Click for more informationBPD Spokesperson Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told Whatcom News via email later that BPD’s investigation showed that Jacob M. Saville, age 36 and of Bellingham, drove his Ford F150 off the roadway, fatally struck a pedestrian and knocked over a light pole.
Officers found a severely injured male in his 40’s and Bellingham Fire Department personnel pronounced that man deceased at the scene.
BPD’s preliminary investigation showed that Saville was under the influence of intoxicating liquor and probable cause for vehicular homicide was established. After being released from the hospital, he was booked into the Whatcom County Jail charged with suspicion of vehicular homicide.
It looks more like a person was struck by the pickup and later crashed into the pole heading east. The victim possibly was walking east at the time of being hit. Very heart wrenching. Driver appeared to be under influence and driving above speed limit.