Tag: mackenzie o’brien

By Caleb Hutton

Bellingham police released a few new details Wednesday morning, Jan. 23, about the hit and run that nearly cost a Western Washington University freshman her arm.

For background, here’s the story we ran about the crash on Otis Street that sent Mackenzie O’Brien, 18, to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle.

The new news?

• No suspects.
• Detectives now say up to 15 people may have been crossing the street at the time. (As the original story states, Justine Phillipson, the other girl who was hit, said it was a group of 10.)
• Officers pinpointed the point of impact: About 100 feet north of Abbott Street.
• The driver turned left onto East Maple Street.
• Police don’t think anyone else was in the suspect’s car.
• The car should have fresh front-end damage.
• Witnesses are still being tracked down and interviewed.
• People should contact a specific policeman with any tips: Bellingham Traffic Officer Henry Ortega, 360-778-8628.

Also, KOMO News aired an interview from O’Brien’s hospital bed in Seattle. Here’s a link. It’s good to see she’s doing better.

And here’s the full press release from police spokesman Mark Young.

The Bellingham Police Department is asking for your help following a hit and run crash that injured two pedestrians. One of the pedestrians, an 18 year old female victim was transported to Peace Heath St. Joseph Medical Center with serious injuries. That victim was subsequently transported to Harborview. The second victim, a 19 year old female, sustained non-life threatening injuries that did not require hospitalization.

Witnesses told officers that at about 11:00 p.m, Friday night, a group of about 12-15 pedestrians were in the process of crossing Otis Street 100 feet north of Abbott Street. A car with its lights out, traveling between 25-35 mile per hour towards East Maple Street struck two of the pedestrians. The driver continued down Otis never stopping then was seen making a left turn onto East Maple.

Witnesses told officers that they believe there was one occupant in the vehicle, the driver. Officers are still interviewing witnesses for a description of the driver. The vehicle has been described as an older gray “boxy” style car. As a result of this crash, the suspect vehicle will have fresh front end damage.

Anyone with information concerning this hit and run is asked to please call Traffic Officer Henry Ortega 360-778-8628.