About FlashAlert on Twitter:
FlashAlert utilizes the free service Twitter to distribute emergency text messages. While you are welcome to register your cell phone text message address directly into the FlashAlert system, we recommend that you simply "follow" the FlashAlert account for Washington Co. Sheriff's Office by clicking on the link below and logging in to (or creating) your free Twitter account. Twitter sends messages out exceptionally fast thanks to arrangements they have made with the cell phone companies.
Click here to add Washington Co. Sheriff's Office to your Twitter account or create one.
@WCSOOregon
Deputies Investigating House Fire Caused by Suspected Speed Racing Crash
November 23, 2020
On Monday, November 23, 2020, at 1:14 a.m., Washington County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to assist officers with the Beaverton Police Department near SW 167th Avenue and SW Division Street in Aloha. An officer in the area reported that he had observed two vehicles speed racing but was unable to stop the vehicles. Deputies responded to investigate after learning that both vehicles had crashed into a home in the area, causing a fire.
Investigators and personnel from Tualatin Valley Fire and Rescue (TVF&R) worked together to quickly evacuate two people from inside the home.
During the investigation, deputies learned that the vehicles involved were a silver 2009 Honda Accord and a black 2010 Lexus 250. The vehicles were traveling west on SW Division Street toward SW 167th Avenue. The Lexus crashed into the front of a home at 5375 SW 167th Avenue. The Honda then crashed into the garage of the house, hitting an SUV that was parked in the garage. The impact of this second crash is believed to have started the fire, which quickly spread to the house.
Deputies arrested the driver of the Honda, 23-year-old Andrez Velasquez, of Beaverton. A passenger in the vehicle, a 23-year-old female, sustained non-life threatening injuries. Mr. Velasquez was booked into the Washington County Jail on the following charges:
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII)
- Reckless driving
- Assault in the third degree
- Criminal mischief in the second degree
- Reckless Endangering (3x)
The driver of the Lexus, a 21-year-old female was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries. Deputies issued her a criminal citation for the following charges:
- Driving under the influence of intoxicants
- Reckless driving
- Criminal mischief in the second degree
- Reckless endangering (2x)
An arson investigator from the sheriff’s office responded to the scene, along with investigators from TVF&R. Investigators believe that the quick actions of responders tonight likely saved the lives of the occupants inside the home. Thankfully, no one in the home was injured. A cat was found deceased in the residence and a dog was transported to a local animal hospital.
The inter-agency Crash Analysis and Resconstruction Team (CART) responded to assist with the investigation.