Editor’s Note: Updated at 4:17 p.m. on 1/27/25 to include additional details from the Mount Baker School District.

MAPLE FALLS, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A Bellingham man was arrested for allegedly driving his car into an elementary school while under the influence.

Mount Baker School District Interim Superintendent Nick Perigo says the crash was occurred at Kendall Elementary around 8:30 pm on Saturday, Jan. 25. He says the driver “failed to navigate a turn” at the Kendall Highway before the car went airborne and crashed through the side of the building.

The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says the 32-year-old driver was the sole occupant and admitted to drinking alcohol before the incident. He was treated for minor injuries at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center before being taken into custody on suspicion of a DUI.

Kendall Elementary School was closed Monday following the incident. Perigo says the crash severely impacted a learning space used by multilingual students and staff.

The school will be back open on Tuesday, Jan. 27.

Courtesy of Nick Perigo
Courtesy of Nick Perigo
Courtesy of Nick Perigo