Portland is reeling from a series of tragic traffic incidents that have left the community shaken and raised concerns about road safety. In the latest incident, a hit-and-run occurred in the Sumner neighborhood on December 12, resulting in the death of a man on Northeast Prescott Street. The crash took place around 3:04 p.m., and police found the victim deceased at the scene.
The driver involved fled, leaving authorities without suspect information as they work to piece together the details of the incident. The Portland Police Traffic Division’s Major Crash Team is currently conducting the investigation, closing Northeast Prescott Street between Northeast 86th Avenue and Northeast 88th Avenue.
In a separate incident earlier this week, a motorcyclist succumbed to injuries sustained in a crash involving a semi-truck. The collision occurred on Northeast Airport Way at the I-205 interchange just after 6 a.m. on Thursday. Emergency responders transported the motorcyclist, whose name has not been released, to a hospital, where he later died. Fortunately, the driver of the semi-truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with police investigations. This marks the 42nd traffic-related death in Portland this year, and notably, it is the eighth involving a motorcyclist.
The uptick in fatal traffic incidents has prompted concern among residents and officials alike. The Portland Police Bureau is asking the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or information related to traffic safety. The recent events highlight the ongoing challenges of ensuring safe roadways in the city, particularly for vulnerable users like motorcyclists and pedestrians.
In another troubling incident, a driver has been charged after crashing into an on-duty Portland Police Public Safety Support Specialist (PS3). Details surrounding this event remain limited, but the police response underscores the risks faced by law enforcement personnel while on duty. The cumulative effect of these traffic incidents has cast a spotlight on the urgent need for improved safety measures and public awareness campaigns.
