Police are asking a 28-year-old Bellingham man to turn himself in as they continue to investigate a fatal hit-and-run on Samish Way.
The Bellingham Police Department released a statement shortly after 10 p.m. Friday saying Sam C. Kuljis is a suspect in the death of Hartwell Mitchell, who was struck Feb. 11 by a car traveling north on Samish Way as he was crossing the street on a lawnmower. Mitchell, 80, died from his injuries on March 7.
Mitchell, who lived on the east side of Samish Way, south of the Elks Lodge, was crossing Samish around 12:36 p.m. on Feb. 11 to reach the mailboxes on the west side of the street. After being treated for his injuries at PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center, Mitchell was transported to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle where he died several days later, according to police.
Kuljis became a suspect after his car was recovered from a repair shop with “damage consistent with the investigated collision,” police said.
“BPD is looking for Kuljis and hopes he turns himself in to face the consequences of his actions,” the police statement said.
