Driver of Stolen Van Eludes Police, Crashes and Injures 2 Pedestrians

Portland Police Badge

April 29, 2022 22:17

A driver of a stolen van eluded police, then crashed and injured 2 pedestrians. One pedestrian has life threatening injuries.

On Friday, April 29, 2022 at 4:44p.m., Central Precinct officers were notified that a caller reported a stolen box truck van in the area of Southeast 20th Avenue and Southeast Division Street. At 5:01p.m., officers responded and requested assistance from the Air Support Unit (ASU). As the van was driving, spike strips were deployed. Officers did not pursue the van. The driver continued and crashed the van near Southeast 26th Avenue and Southeast Ash Street, hitting another driver and two pedestrians. Both adult male pedestrians were hurt, one with life threatening injuries. They were both transported by ambulance to the hospital. The adult female driver of the vehicle struck was uninjured and not transported.

Multiple suspects ran off on foot from the van. Numerous officers from Central, North, and East Precincts as well as the Focused Intervention Team responded to contain the area while K9 officers worked to track the suspects. No arrests were immediately made.

Due to the life-threatening nature of the injuries, the Portland Police Major Crash Team responded to investigate. During the investigation, Southeast 26th Avenue is closed between Southeast Ankeny Street and Southeast Pine Street. Southeast Ash Street is closed between Southeast 24th Avenue and Southeast 27th Avenue.

If anyone has information about this incident, including information about the identity of the suspects, or photos or video of them, please contact crimetips@portlandoregon.gov , attention Traffic Investigations Unit, and reference case number 22-113627, or call (503)823-2103.

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