Bellingham Man Arrested for Vehicular Homicide After Fatal Crash

BELLINGHAM, Wash. — A Bellingham man is in custody Thursday morning after allegedly fleeing the scene of a fatal two-vehicle crash at West Axton Road and Northwest Avenue — a collision investigators say he caused while driving a stolen vehicle at a high rate of speed while impaired.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

What Happened

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office responded to the intersection around 5:45 a.m. after reports of a serious crash. One driver had already fled on foot. The other driver was trapped inside the vehicle and unresponsive.

Emergency crews worked to extract the victim. Medics pronounced him dead at the scene.

Suspect Located Nearby, Denied Involvement

A short time later, deputies located a man matching witness descriptions of the fleeing driver nearby. Deputies identified him as Dale Alderman, 28.

Deputies observed fresh cuts and blood on Alderman’s hands, along with bruising consistent with seatbelt impact. Witnesses told deputies they saw Alderman’s vehicle traveling northbound on Northwest Drive at high speed before blowing through the four-way stop at Axton Road and striking the second vehicle.

Surveillance footage from nearby businesses later corroborated that account. Despite the physical evidence and witness statements, Alderman denied any knowledge of the crash.

Vehicle Was Reported Stolen Hours Earlier

While on scene, Bellingham Police officers learned that a vehicle had been reported stolen from the 200 block of Bakerview Road. Security footage from that residence captured Alderman taking the vehicle. Deputies confirmed the car Alderman drove at the time of the crash was that stolen vehicle.

Charges

Deputies arrested Alderman on the following charges: Vehicular Homicide, Driving Under the Influence, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle and Driving While License Revoked — 2nd Degree.

Road Closure

The intersection closed at approximately 6:30 a.m. for the investigation.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office estimated it would reopen early Wednesday afternoon. Drivers should avoid the area and plan alternate routes.

The Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim, calling the loss “sudden and heartbreaking.” The identity of the deceased has not yet been publicly released. This story will update as additional information becomes available.

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