2nd Update St. Johns Collision (Photo) -03/23/23
Update to this story on 3/23/2023:
Arrest made, public assistance still requested regarding October 2022 Fatality Collision
On March 23rd, 2023 CCSO Traffic Unit Detectives booked Gregory Bailey, 59 year-old of Vancouver WA, into the Clark County Jail under one count of Vehicular Homicide. The investigation showed that on Saturday October 1st, 2022 Bailey was operating his 2016 Chevrolet Corvette northbound on NE Saint Johns RD at speeds in excess of 100 MPH while under the influence of alcohol, when the Corvette collided with a Ford Escape travelling in the same direction. On Tuesday October 4th, 2022, the operator of the Escape, Gerald Plato, 58 year-old of Vancouver WA, died as a result of the injuries sustained in the collision event.
A witness’ dash camera video, to include other witness statements, shows the Corvette racing a white SUV mere seconds prior to the crash. Both vehicles were matching each other’s relative speeds, well in excess of the 45 MPH speed limit. Due to the poor quality of video footage, Detectives have been unable to identify the specific make/model of this vehicle, nor have Detectives been able to identify the driver.
The driver of this white SUV is complicit in the death of Mr. Plato, and Traffic Unit Detectives would like to speak with the persons(s) involved. Anyone with information regarding the unidentified vehicle or person(s) involved – contact CCSO Traffic Detectives at (564) 397-4597 and reference Case Number 22-9238.
--Update to this story on 10/13/2022 at 17:00 hours, Sheriff’s Office request for public assistance.
On 10-04-2022 Detectives learned the operator of the 2002 Ford Escape SUV died as a result of injuries sustained in this collision event. The decedent has been identified as Gerald Plato, 58 years old, from Vancouver, WA. This case is now being treated as a Vehicular Homicide investigation.
Preliminary scene evidence and witness statements suggest prior to the crash, the sliver 2016 Chevrolet Corvette coupe and a white SUV were travelling together, in excess of the 45 MPH posted speed limit. The identity of the Corvette operator is being withheld at this time, pending the filing of criminal charges.
After the Corvette collided with the Escape, the white SUV fled the area. The attached photograph is a screen shot from witness dash camera footage and is a photograph the actual vehicle. Some area residents believe the white SUV could be a white Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk.
If anyone was a witness to the collision event, or has any information relating to the operator/owner of the white SUV, please contact Traffic Unit Detectives at (564) 397-4597 and reference Case Number 22009238. Detectives have already canvassed the area for additional video footage, and are in the review process.
This is an active investigation, and no further information will be released at this time.
