Authorities have identified the driver who died early Friday morning after crashing into a utility pole while trying to flee from police in Southeast Portland.
Crash Details
According to the Portland Police Bureau, the driver was 35-year-old Jermaine Young-Boyd. The crash occurred around 3:00 a.m. after an officer spotted two vehicles stopped in a traffic lane near Southeast 119th Avenue and Clinton Street.
Police suspected the drivers were preparing to engage in street racing and attempted to initiate a traffic stop. Before the officer could activate emergency lights, both vehicles sped away recklessly, police said.
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A short time later, officers found the 2017 Audi Q7, driven by Young-Boyd, crashed into a utility pole near Southeast 148th Avenue and Division Street. Responding emergency crews pronounced Young-Boyd dead at the scene.
Investigation Findings
Investigators determined that just before the collision, Young-Boyd’s vehicle had clipped a semi-truck, causing him to lose control and crash. Authorities said he was believed to be the only occupant in the vehicle at the time of the crash.
The second vehicle involved in the attempted race remains unlocated, and police are continuing to investigate its whereabouts.
Ongoing Investigation
The crash remains under investigation by the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team, which is handling evidence and reviewing surveillance footage from nearby intersections.
Officials are urging anyone with information, photos, or video related to the incident to contact the Portland Police Traffic Investigations Unit.
This fatal crash adds to the growing list of traffic-related deaths in Portland this year, many linked to reckless or high-speed driving. Authorities continue to warn drivers against engaging in illegal street racing, which poses significant danger to both participants and bystanders.
