Stolen Vehicle crashes through border, Teen sentenced in Squalicum High School sexual assault, Man killed by freight train identified, Access to Showers and Restrooms, Former Sheriff’s deputy pleads not guilty, NW Wildflower Removed from ESA, New Orca Calves born, but population still in danger, County Excutive Primary Candidates interviews after news
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KMRE brings you local news for Monday, July 24th. Good afternoon, I’m ______.
STORY: Stolen vehicle crashes through border
On Saturday, a stolen SUV drove through the Peace Arch border crossing in the Nexus lane and crashed into another vehicle.
According to the State Patrol, troopers received reports of a car driving erratically northbound on I-5 in Skagit County and pursued it into Whatcom County. Officers attempted a traffic stop near the Slater Road exit, but the SUV sped ahead at about 115 miles per hour.
One mile north of the border the SUV crashed into another vehicle and caught fire. The driver attempted to flee but was apprehended by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
The driver, identified as 21 year-old Emil Abdullah Tunsel from Irvine, California, was treated for his injuries then handed over to the Washington State Patrol.
Tunsel was booked into Whatcom County Jail yesterday morning.
STORY: Teen sentenced in Squalicum High School sexual assault
A 16-year-old former Squalicum High School student was sentenced to 18–20 weeks in juvenile custody after accepting a plea deal in a sexual assault case.
The teen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of fourth-degree assault with sexual motivation, which stemmed from sexual contact with a female student in November and December 2021.
Originally charged with a felony of indecent liberties, the boy received the sentence as part of the plea agreement. The female victim in the case has filed a lawsuit against Bellingham Public Schools, alleging that three school administrators failed to report the sexual assault to authorities. The administrators are facing charges for failure to report, and their cases are pending in court.
STORY: Man killed by freight train identified
The man who was struck and killed by a freight train in Bellingham a week ago has been identified as 24-year old Ivan Pokrova from Burlington.
The incident took place on the railroad tracks below the 1100 block of Chuckanut Drive. The Whatcom County Sheriff’s office is still investigating the incident, however, Pokrova is the second person hit and killed on those tracks in less than two months.
STORY: Access to Showers and Restrooms
Beginning this Saturday, the City of Bellingham is ending the free shower policy at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center.
In a recent release on their website, the City identified two alternatives for free showers and restrooms. Base Camp, located at 1530 Cornwall Ave, is open 24/7 and in addition to showers, provides overnight shelter, meals, and laundry.
The other option, Shower Connect, is open from 9 am to 3 pm every Thursday in the Salvation Army parking lot at 1515 Birchwood Avenue.
Long-term shower access will be expanded by The Way Station, expected to open next summer.
STORY: Former Sheriff’s deputy pleads not guilty
Former Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy, Austin Michael Case, pleaded not guilty to six felonies during his arraignment hearing on Friday.
The charges filed on July 14th include unlawful imprisonment, first-degree extortion, first-degree burglary, and third-degree rape. Case’s jury trial is scheduled for October 2.
STORY: NW Wildflower Removed From ESA
The Northwest prairie flower ‘golden paintbrush’ has been removed from the Endangered Species List.
The native flower grows in prairies in Washington, Oregon and British Columbia. In 1997, the bright yellow blossoms could only be found in 10 places around the Pacific Northwest and were completely gone in Oregon. Years of restoration work have brought this species back from the brink, and provided habitat for other rare species like the Taylor’s checkerspot butterfly, which lay eggs on its flowers
STORY: New Orca calves born, but population still in danger
In more happy environmental news, two calves have been born to an endangered population of orcas in the Salish (SAY-lish) Sea. But the whales still remain under threat. Conservation groups blame a lack of food due to four dams in eastern Washington that hamper salmon migration. Eric Tegethoff has more.
WHALE AUDIO
STORY: County Executive Primary Candidates interviews after news
Primary election ballots are due next Tuesday, August first. The KMRE News team interviewed the Primary Candidates for Mayor and County Executive. We’re airing a new short segment everyday after the 5pm news. Today, candidates for County Executive share their views on urban growth areas in Whatcom County– please note, candidate Sukwant Gill was unable to attend. Make sure to tune in after the 5pm news, or head over to kmre.org to listen to the complete candidate interviews.
WX: Sunny and Warm
The weather today is cloudy with some afternoon rain and a high of 68 in Bellingham. More showers are forecast for tonight and will continue through the morning, with an overnight low of 57. Things will dry out in the coming days but the clouds will linger, keeping temperatures in the low 70s.
OUTRO:
Today’s newscast was produced by volunteers AnThu Nguyen (ANNE-two new-WIN) and Myles Weber. Tune in to local news on KMRE weekdays at 3, 4 and 5 p-m. For news tips and feedback, send us an email at news@kmre.org or call 360-398-6150. KMRE is a nonprofit community radio station, powered by listener donations. I’m ________________ and thanks for listening.
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