PORTLAND, Ore. — One person died and five others were hospitalized Monday in Portland, Oregon, after a driver struck at least six people and an undetermined number of vehicles across a 15-block stretch.
The unidentified suspect, who crashed his vehicle while fleeing the multiple accident scenes, was detained by bystanders until authorities arrived and took him into custody, Oregon Live reported.
#Breaking Per @PDXFire - 6 pedestrians hospitalized following hit and run in SE Portland. One with life-threatening injuries. Driver arrested, thanks to help from citizens and @PortlandPolice Crime scene stretches more than a dozen blocks. Motive unclear. pic.twitter.com/r7CvJuUorl
— Pete Ferryman (@PeteFerryman) January 25, 2021
According to Portland Fire and Rescue, the fatally wounded pedestrian was struck while walking in the Buckman neighborhood and died later at an area hospital. The victim has been identified only as a woman in her 70s.
The other five victims remain hospitalized in non-critical condition, a fire bureau spokesperson confirmed to KGW.
Portland Police Officer Derek Carmon said during a news conference that officers responded to the first report of a hit-and-run shortly after 1 p.m. and that other calls regarding the same suspect vehicle, a silver Honda Element, began pouring in.
SE 19th & Stark: Major traffic incident, pedestrian hit by a car. One pedestrian seriously injured. Possibly more injuries. No word on hospital transports. PLEASE AVOID AREA #alert @PBOTinfo
— Portland Fire&Rescue (@PDXFire) January 25, 2021
Witness Larry Wolfe told Oregon Live that one of the victims was en route to meet him for an appointment when he saw the suspect vehicle strike her – twice – before making a U-turn and exiting the area. Police later confirmed this was the same victim who later died at an area hospital.
Meanwhile, witness Cody Warnes told the outlet that he saw a heavily dented silver Honda Element drive eastbound on Belmont Street, turn left into oncoming traffic then strike a cyclist on the corner.
Witness Daveed Jacobo told Oregon Live that he saw the Honda Element turn right, speed up and hit a woman who was crossing the street.
During the news conference, Carmon asked anyone who sees debris or has video of Monday’s carnage stretching from Laurelhurst Park on 33rd Avenue to 18th Avenue and Stark Street to contact police.
Stumbled on a wild crime scene in Portland's Buckman neighborhood. Sounds like this guy rammed his car into multiple people. Hard to convey the commotion but there were ~10 police cars, 5 ambulances, 5 firetrucks. Overheard that he spat into a cop's mouth—wear a mask, folks. pic.twitter.com/sOe4mfNy55
— kutz (@thesuperkutz) January 25, 2021
Cox Media Group