The man who died in a crash in Downtown Portland early Saturday morning is identified as Wael M. Zahran, 23, of Tigard, Oregon. His family has been notified of his death.
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***Original Messages Below***
One victim has died of injuries sustained in this morning’s crash at Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Columbia Street, and a driver is facing DUII and assault charges.
Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect driver, Jacob M. Tabor, 46, of Washington County, Oregon, was driving a 2001 Volkswagen Jetta southbound on Southwest Naito Parkway when he was involved in a minor, non-injury collision with another driver. He did not stop and accelerated away from the crash, then collided with a 2001 Toyota Camry stopped at a red light southbound Southwest Naito Parkway at Southwest Columbia Street. The Camry was occupied by 3 men, and the rear passenger was pinned in the vehicle.
Two Central Precinct officers were in the area at the time and witnessed the aftermath of the crash. They immediately responded to provide assistance while summoning EMS. The officers initiated CPR on the injured passenger until Portland Fire & Rescue and AMR paramedics arrived to take over advanced care. All four men were transported to hospitals with serious injuries. Despite significant lifesaving efforts, the rear seat passenger died Saturday afternoon. He will be identified after family has had time to make notifications to loved ones. The driver of the Camry remains hospitalized with serious, but non-life threatening injuries. The front seat passenger was treated and released from the hospital.
Tabor, who was in police custody, was treated and released from the hospital today. He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (alcohol), and Assault in the Second Degree (2 counts). The victim died at the hospital after Tabor was booked, so additional charges are expected later due to the fatality.
The investigation is still in early stages. However, impairment and speed are believed to be contributing factors in the crash. If anyone has information about this crash, or has photos or video evidence, and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: Traffic Investigations Unit and reference case number 23-33222. Southwest Naito Parkway reopened to traffic after the on-scene investigation concluded.
This is the 9th traffic-related fatality of the year in Portland. That may be a higher figure than the Portland fatal crashes counted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA’s count excludes crashes involving suicide, private property, non-public roadways, non-motor vehicles, medical events, and deaths that happen more than 30 days after a crash.
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***Original Message Below***
A crash involving serious, life-threatening injuries in Downtown Portland has Southwest Naito Parkway closed for an investigation.
On Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 2:50 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to a crash at Southwest Naito Parkway and Southwest Columbia Street. Two vehicles were involved in the crash. Four occupants of the vehicles were injured, including one who suffered life-threatening injuries. Due to the severity of the injuries, the Portland Police Traffic Division Major Crash Team is responding to the scene to investigate the crash.
During the investigation, Southwest Naito Parkway is closed both directions between Southwest Jefferson Street to Southwest Clay Street.
If anyone has information about this crash and has not already spoken to police, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: Traffic Investigations Unit and reference case number 23-33222.
The PIO is not responding to the scene. Additional information will be released as appropriate. This is the 9th activation of the Major Crash Team this year to date.
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