BELLINGHAM, Wash. — Bellingham Police were dispatched to the intersection of J Street and Girard Street due to a report of a crash involving a building about 2:10am, Sunday, May 1st.
What they found upon arriving was a Toyota 4Runner halfway into a building with its rear tires off the ground.
Bellingham Police Department Spokesperson Lieutenant Claudia Murphy told Whatcom News via email on Monday that a witness reported seeing the driver leave the scene on foot. A perimeter was set up and a K9 track begun. The driver was taken into custody without incident several blocks away when he walked toward an officer on the perimeter.
The driver told police he had lost his front right tire near the intersection of E Smith Road and Everson-Goshen Road, approximately 8.5 miles away, but continued driving.
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Click for more informationInvestigators determined the driver was southbound on Meridian Street where it becomes Girard Street when he lost control of the Toyota and it left the roadway, striking 2 buildings.
A dark stripe was visible for about 300 feet on the road surface on Meridian Street leading to the crash scene.
Following the road marks and debris trail, it could be seen that after losing control, the Toyota proceeded south across Broadway, struck the curb on the west side of Girard Street and clipped the southeast corner of a bank building, taking out HVAC equipment outside the building in the process.
The Toyota continued onto the adjacent business property, struck an inches-tall tree stump and became airborne, ending up halfway inside the business.
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Click for more informationThe investigating officer noted the driver exhibited signs of being under the influence of alcohol and the driver admitted he had been drinking prior to the crash. When searched while being arrested, a set of brass knuckles were found in his pocket.
Bellingham Police arrested Connor Robert Mosher, age 18, and booked him into Whatcom County Jail about 3:30am charged with suspicion of the following in Bellingham Municipal Court.
- hit and run of unattended property
- driving under the influence
- being an intoxicated minor in public
- possession of a dangerous weapon
Mosher was released under his own personal recognizance about 10 hours later according to jail records.
Business owner, Joanna Sigler, told Whatcom News on Monday that she was in the process of working with her insurance company and the building owner to repair the substantial damage to her business, Joanna’s Skin Care, so she could reopen as soon as possible.
If this happed 3 years ago the person involved would not be released without bond and a court date.. Big question is why released!!