The investigation continues to locate the driver of the SUV that hit the Bhandari family, resulting in the death of five-year-old Kushan, three weeks ago today. It was in the 8pm hour on Thursday, July 30, when Sujana Bhandari and her two sons, Kushan and 11-year-old Kushal were crossing Lakeview Drive just west of the Big Bear Lake Post Office after playing at the lake. Arden Wiltshire at San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department headquarters tells KBHR, “We have had several leads that investigators have followed up on, but none have led us to an arrest yet. We are still seeking the vehicle, which is described as a dark colored SUV, either a Chevy Tahoe, GMC Yukon, or two-door blazer. We believe it is a 1999 or 2000 model.” Tiffany Swantek at the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station says that they have received many calls but, still, she adds, “We are still encouraging people to call in. Locally, our Sheriff’s Station receives info on a regular basis, though it hasn’t been enough yet to lead to an arrest.” Those who do have any information regarding the hit-and-run incident of July 30 should call Sheriff’s Dispatch at 387-8313; anonymous tips can also be directed to WeTip at 800-78-CRIME. Information provided to the national WeTip hotline could result in a $1,000 reward if it leads to the arrest and conviction of the driver responsible for taking the life of Kushan Bhandari. Adds Wiltshire, “We would like to remind citizens to report anything they may have seen, that they know, or that they heard, no matter how insignificant they think it is. That small piece of information could very well be the missing piece we are looking for to tie it all together.” Captain Greg Garland of the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station tells KBHR that they have many leads to follow up on and, in an effort to expedite identification of the vehicle, surveillance video from July 30 has been sent to both the FBI and the military to enhance the image. Once again, those with any information are asked to please call 909/387-8313 or 800-78-CRIME.
For additional information on the Bhandari family of Big Bear Lake, see our stories posted August 6, August 4 and August 3; additional stories regarding this incident posted August 10 and July 31.
