Portland, OR – Two people were seriously injured Sunday afternoon when the driver of an allegedly stolen car crashed in the Pearl District, according to the Portland Police Department.
The incident unfolded shortly after 1 p.m. near Northwest 9th Avenue and West Burnside Street. Officers spotted a white Kia that had been reported stolen and attempted to stop the vehicle. The driver did not comply and continued north through the Pearl District. Police said officers did not pursue the vehicle.
A short time later, the driver reportedly lost control of the Kia on Northwest Glisan Street and crashed at the intersection with Northwest 6th Avenue.
Crash Details:
- Time: Shortly after 1 p.m. on Sunday
- Location: NW Glisan Street and NW 6th Avenue
- Vehicle: White Kia, reported stolen
- Driver: Uninjured and taken into custody
- Pedestrian Injuries: Two individuals with “significant” injuries transported to a hospital
- Condition of Victims: Unknown at this time
Jacoby Bush, an employee at Broadway Cannabis Market, witnessed the crash.
“I saw that car screeching toward the gate, toward the crowd of people… It just ran through the gate, into the field,” said Bush. He also mentioned the vehicle nearly collided with a MAX train.
According to another witness, the two injured pedestrians were part of a group of around 20 people walking to Potluck in the Park, a weekly event that provides free meals to those in need.
Bush described the crash as a wake-up call for local pedestrians.
“It’s kind of scary. Especially because the part of town is very walkable and very close to everything so people come here all the time,” he said. “I’m going to keep my head on a swivel much more now. Keep a headphone out of my ear and just kind of pay attention now.”
Road Closures and Service Disruptions:
- NW 6th Avenue: Closed between NW Flanders Street and NW Hoyt Street
- NW Glisan Street: Closed between NW 5th Avenue and NW Broadway
- TriMet MAX service: Disrupted for several hours due to the crash
The investigation is ongoing. Police have not released the identity of the driver or additional details regarding possible charges.
