Suspect Turns Himself In Following Fatal Spokane Hit-and-Run Crash

Spokane, WA (June 25, 2026) – A driver accused of a deadly hit-and-run crash in north Spokane has turned himself in to law enforcement following a public appeal from the Spokane Police Department (SPD).

According to authorities, 63-year man contacted officers at the Public Safety Building early on June 26 and admitted his involvement in the fatal collision that occurred on June 20 near the 9200 block of North Newport Highway. He was interviewed by Major Crimes Detectives before being taken into custody.

Police said the crash was reported at approximately 4:15 a.m. on June 20 after a caller reported a person lying in the roadway following a collision. Investigators determined that the vehicle involved left the scene, traveling southbound. The pedestrian died at the scene as a result of the crash.

Following an earlier request for public assistance in locating the suspect vehicle, authorities announced that Bernhardt voluntarily surrendered. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on a charge of Vehicle Hit/Run Involving a Fatality. The investigation remains ongoing.

Officials have not released additional details regarding the circumstances leading up to the collision. Anyone with further information related to the incident is encouraged to contact the Spokane Police Department as investigators continue reviewing the case.

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This summary is based solely on publicly available preliminary information from local reports and responding agencies. No personal identifying information is included beyond what has been publicly released by authorities. This report is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice or solicitation.