News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Memorial Set for Hit-And-Run Victim July 30

Memorial Set for Hit-And-Run Victim July 30

Police Seek Help To Locate Kushan Bhandari's Killer

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, July 30, 2010

Big Bear Lake, CA - It's been a year since 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari was struck and killed while crossing Lakeview Drive at Bartlett Road in Big Bear Lake.

July 30 is the first year anniversary of the death of 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari who was struck by a hit-and-run driver and left his mother and brother injured. (Photo by Bhandari Family.)

His family and investigators hope Friday, July 30, will be the day someone comes forward with information about the driver of a dark-colored SUV. The car also struck and injured the youngster's mother, Sujana, and 11-year-old brother, Kushal.

The parents of 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari -- Sujana and Keshar -- are hoping someone will come forward on the first anniversary of their son's death with information about the hit-and-run driver that struck and killed the boy and injured his mother and brother. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Meanwhile, a candlelight vigil for Kushan is scheduled for 8:20 p.m. at the intersection where the fatal incident occurred July 30, 2009.

THE INCIDENT

Kushan and his mother and brother had visited Pine Knot Park and were walking back home when the incident occurred at 8:20 p.m.

A hit-and-run driver struck the three members of the Bhandari family and then left the scene in what has been described as a dark-colored SUV or pick-up truck with a camper shell.

Witnesses told investigators the unknown driver stopped fora few seconds near the driveway to the Evergreen Restaurant before leaving at a high rate of speed in the direction of the Big Bear Dam.

Kushan was transported to Bear Valley Community Hospital where he passed away. A Mercy Air helicopter airlifted Sujana and Kushal to Loma Linda University Medical Center. They were treated and released,

In October 2009, a press conference was held to draw attention to the incident and to release grainy surveillance video and urge the public to come forward with any information about the case.

The Bhandari family operates the Himalayan Restaurant at 672 Pine Knot Avenue in Big Bear Lake offering cuisine from Nepal and India.

CALL WITH INFORMATION

Individuals with information about the fatal incident are encouraged to call the Big Bear Sheriff's Station at (909) 866-0100, Sheriff's Dispatch at (909) 387-8313 or the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME.

This article was first published on Thursday, July 29, 2010 at 5:06 am. This article has been viewed 1267 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, RIMOFTHEWORLD.net Managing News Editor, is a graduate of the Dwight Bentel School of Journalism at San Jose State University. His first job out of San Jose State was with the Associated Press in Los Angeles as overnight Radio Editor. Prior to joining RIMOFTHEWORLD.net, Neufeld was editor of two weekly newspapers—THE MOUNTAIN NEWS and CRESTLINE COURIER-NEWS. He also has experience as editor of an employee newspaper for a major utility company and during his tenure as executive director of the San Jose State University Alumni Association served as faculty advisor to the association's monthly newsletter. He also spent eight years in commercial radio doing everything from news to advertising sales and writing commercials to being an announcer and on-air personality. Neufeld is actively involved the mountain communities including serving as master of ceremonies for the Arrowhead Arts Music Festival held each summer.

The views expressed in this article do not necessarily reflect those of RIMOFTHEWORLD.net. This column is copyrighted by Michael P. Neufeld.