Bail set for hit-and-run suspect, next appearance May 26

By Stefanie Donahue

Following a hit-and-run resulting in the death of 33-year-old Joshua Reynolds in Birch Bay last week, Lynden resident Kenneth Kelly, 37, turned himself in to police. On May 17, Superior Court Commissioner Leon Henley set a $30,000 bail and a court date of Friday, May 26.

On May 15, a resident discovered Reynolds in a ditch off the westbound shoulder of 3921 Birch Bay Lynden Road. According to the affidavit of probable cause, Reynolds was dressed in dark clothing and was likely walking along the road at the time of the incident.

An autopsy revealed that Reynolds died from blunt force trauma. An investigation of the scene revealed several pieces of black plastic, a right exterior mirror and other parts of a car.

According to the affidavit, the evidence was enough to identify the make and model of the car as a Dodge Ram Truck.

On May 16, authorities received a call from Kelly who said he wanted to “turn himself in for being involved in the collision,” according to the affidavit. After being interviewed by police, his 2004 Dodge Ram Truck was found missing the right exterior mirror and featured a dent in the front right side and along the passenger door.

In a statement to police, Kelly said the incident took place between 9 and 10 p.m. on May 14. He said he felt an impact to his vehicle, but thought it was a mailbox or a sign. After turning his vehicle around to investigate, he found nothing in the road and continued to his destination.

According to the affidavit, Kelly’s license was suspended at the time of the incident.