A tragic incident in southeast Portland early Friday morning resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man, highlighting the ongoing issue of street racing in the area. The victim, identified as Jermaine Young-Boyd, was involved in a suspected street racing crash that ended violently when his vehicle struck a utility pole.
The incident unfolded around 3 a.m. when an officer from the Portland Police Bureau observed a 2017 Audi Q7 alongside another vehicle idling at the intersection of Southeast 119th Avenue and Southeast Clinton Street. Sensing that the drivers were preparing to engage in illegal street racing, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, before he could activate his lights, both vehicles sped off, racing eastward down Southeast Division Street.
As the investigation continued, the intersection at Southeast 148th Avenue and Division Street was closed off to gather evidence and assess the scene. Tragically, at the intersection of Southeast Division Street and Southeast 148th Avenue, the Audi collided with a semi-truck before veering off and crashing into a utility pole. The impact was severe, resulting in Young-Boyd’s death at the scene.
Authorities have not yet located the other vehicle involved in the incident or its driver, and as of Saturday evening, there were no updates on their whereabouts. The Portland Police Bureau is continuing its investigation into the matter, urging anyone with information to come forward.
Street racing has increasingly become a concern in Portland, with incidents on the rise. Local law enforcement has been vocal about the dangers associated with this reckless behavior, which poses significant risks not only to those involved but also to innocent bystanders and other road users. Community members are encouraged to report any suspicious racing activities to help curb this dangerous trend and prevent future tragedies.
