Out-of-control truck kills man in Bellingham

BELLINGHAM – A large pickup truck sped out of control in downtown Bellingham early Monday, killing one pedestrian and injuring three others as bars were closing, police said.

The truck, driven by 27-year-old Dustin F. Brown, veered onto a sidewalk before 2 a.m. and hit three pedestrians, according to a Bellingham police news release. The three were believed to be in stable condition at a local hospital, the statement said.

The truck then plowed through a chained-off parking lot, killing a 37-year-old man. The truck also hit a sport-utility vehicle with three people inside, pushing the SUV into a parked car, but officers say the three were not hurt.

The truck hit two parked cars and a barrier fence that kept it from plunging over a 10-foot drop.

A crowd surrounded the truck and pulled the driver out, detaining him as officers arrived, police said. There are several bars and restaurants in the area, and many people had been out celebrating Sunday’s annual Ski to Sea race, a seven-sport relay race that covers 93 miles from Mount Baker to Bellingham Bay.

Brown, of Bellingham, was arrested for investigation of vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. Police said they believe he had been drinking.

Casey Floresca told the Bellingham Herald that she ran outside after hearing the crash from inside her home. “I heard a really loud crash, followed by a bunch of yells and what sounded like screaming,” she said. “I ran to my window and saw a ton of people and cars facing every which way. There were a couple people lying on the ground.”

Tyler Brenon told the newspaper he saw the immediate aftermath of the crash as he was walking home from the downtown Bellingham bars. He returned to the scene later Monday to light a candle for the man who was killed, he said.

The victim’s identity had not been released by Monday afternoon, pending the notification of his next of kin.