News & Columns > Michael P. Neufeld > Hit-And-Run Family Spokesperson Pleads for Help (Update)

Hit-And-Run Family Spokesperson Pleads for Help (Update)

Suman Rana Urges Witnesses to Come Forward

By Michael P. Neufeld
Friday, October 30, 2009

Update - Friday 8 a.m.

Big Bear Lake, CA - The family of 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari seeks closure as authorities try to identify the driver of a SUV that struck and killed the young boy on July 30.

Suman Rana (right) served as spokesperson for the Bhandari family at a Big Bear Lake press conference. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Sujana and Keshar Bhandari, Kushan's parents, listened during a press conference as the family spokesperson — Suman Rana — urged the driver of the vehicle or eyewitnesses to come forward.

"This person could be anywhere," Rana explained. "Now our goal is to find someone who saw this and can come forward.

"We want to make sure nobody has to go through this again," he emphasized, "go through what this family has.

"We want to thank the community of Big Bear, the City and especially law enforcement for their efforts," Rana added. "Now we're hoping someone will assist the investigation and bring closure to the family."

Original Story

Big Bear Lake, CA - Authorities have released an enhanced surveillance tape of the hit-and-run vehicle that allegedly struck and killed 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari on July 30 on Lakeview Drive in Big Bear Lake.

The parents of 5-year-old Kishan Bhandari, Sujana and Keshar, are hoping the release of the surveillance tape and still pictures of the suspect vehicle in the hit-and-run accident that killed their son will lead to the arrest of the driver. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

The young boy's parents, Sujana and Keshar Bhandari, told a press conference held at the Big Bear Performing Arts Center that it's been a difficult time for the family since Kushan's death.

"This has been a very hard time for us," Sujana Bhandari explained in an emotional statement to the media. "I lost my heart."

Hundreds of people have been interviewed by Sergeant Donny Mahoney from the Major Accident Investigation Team and Big Bear Sheriff's deputies. But officials are hoping the driver of the hit-and-run vehicle that killed 5-year-old Kushan Bhandari will contact officials about the July 30 incident. (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

Sergeant Donny Mahoney from the Sheriff's Department's Major Accident Investigation Team and Sergeant Steve Kruger from the Big Bear Station both urged the driver of the dark, older model GMC or Chevy Tahoe, to contact authorities immediately.

"It will help advance the investigation," Mahoney stated as he stood just inches from a picture of the 5-year-old victim. "But we're also seeking individuals with information about the incident and urge them to contact us with even just a little bit of information."

Detectives indicated there were two women who were at the Evergreen Restaurant the night the incident happened. The women reportedly advised restaurant employees to call the police immediately after the collision and then left the establishment.

"We believe the women may have some useful information and urge them to contact us immediately," Mahoney emphasized.

Sujana Bhandari and her 11-year-old son, Kushai, sustained serious injuries in the hit-and-run accident. But Kushai has returned to school.

"He's OK now," Keshar Bhandari told the media gathering, "now that he's back in school."

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

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, October 29, 2009 at 3:33 pm. This article has been viewed 1172 times.

Michael P. Neufeld, Senior 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.