Kent Street Crash Suspect in Critical Condition

Portland Police Chief Star Thomas says that the suspect involved in a crash on Kent Street fleeing from Portland officers remains in critical condition at a local hospital. The 37-year old Portland man is not being named at this time.

The afternoon of July 5th, Portland Police responded to numerous 911 calls from concerned motorists reporting a hazardous driver in a dark blue vehicle headed towards Portland. Officers tracked the vehicle down in the downtown district after the driver of the struck a barricade and damaged private property at a business. When officers tried to stop the driver he sped off on Kent Street. Officers did not pursue the suspect at that time due to busy traffic downtown and pedestrians in the area.

Several blocks south of the initial interaction with the PPD officers, the driver struck another vehicle before rolling the car. The suspect was thrown from the crashed car. Bystanders and PPD officers immediately began lifesaving efforts. Portland Ambulance Department continued care and transported the driver to a local hospital where he remains in “severe critical condition” a week later. The driver of the second car sustained minor injuries.

Chief Thomas tells the Beacon that a subsequent search warrant was executed in investigating the crash. In particular officers were seeking to determine whether alcohol or drugs were involved. Gathered evidence was submitted for laboratory analysis which is still pending as of this writing.

“The medical status of the suspect is dire,” says Thomas, “and, unfortunately, the family has been forced to take a ‘wait and see’ approach.” In the meantime, criminal charges are on hold due to the uncertain medical condition of the suspect. Thomas says that the name of the suspect will not be released unless he dies or is arraigned on charges related to the incident.

PHOTO: Courtesy PPD