Driver arrested for DUI after hitting Blaine motorcyclist

By Oliver Lazenby

A driver was charged with felony DUI and vehicular assault after seriously injuring a Blaine motorcyclist in a crash on November 8. As of November 13, the motorcyclist, Jonathan R. McCoy, 30, was in “satisfactory” condition at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, according to hospital officials.

McCoy was northbound on Vista Drive near the Enterprise Cemetery when Larrissa Barber, 24, crossed the center line in a red 2013 Ford Focus and hit him head on, according to a report from Washington State Patrol. State patrol responded to the collision at 5:43 p.m.

Barber’s vehicle came to a rest down an embankment on the northbound shoulder, while McCoy and his motorcycle came to a rest on the northbound shoulder, according to the memo.

McCoy was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center in Bellingham and then airlifted to Harborview Medical Center. Washington State Patrol public information officer Heather Axtman said McCoy had severe leg injuries.

Barber was also transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph Medical Center. She was subsequently charged with vehicular assault and a felony DUI, and booked into the Whatcom County Jail with a $20,000 bond.

Barber was wearing a seatbelt and McCoy was wearing a USDOT compliant helmet, according to the report, which also stated that both vehicles were totaled and impounded to state patrol’s vehicle storage.