UPDATE: A motorist has been charged with driving under the influence of alcohol after a serious collision with a Portland police SUV on Sunday night. The incident occurred at approximately 7:15 p.m. in Northeast Portland, raising immediate concerns about road safety in the area.
According to police reports, Zachary Kwok Lee, a 47-year-old resident of Portland, was driving a 2008 Toyota Prius east on Northeast Halsey Street. Lee made a left turn onto Northeast 129th Place, directly colliding with a marked police vehicle. Authorities confirmed that the officer was not responding to an emergency call at the time but managed to brake and reduce the speed of the patrol vehicle before impact.
The force of the collision pushed the police SUV into a nearby fence and a parked car, highlighting the potential danger of impaired driving. Both officers inside the SUV and Lee were transported to a hospital for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries and have since been released.
Lee has been booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center and faces multiple charges, including reckless driving and a citation for making a dangerous left turn as well as driving with an expired registration. The two officers involved are reportedly recovering at home, and police traffic officers are currently investigating the incident further.
Both vehicles were towed from the scene, and police are urging motorists to remain vigilant and responsible on the road. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with impaired driving and the potential consequences it can have on both drivers and law enforcement.
As this story develops, authorities are expected to provide additional details regarding the ongoing investigation. Stay tuned for updates on the legal proceedings against Lee and any further implications for public safety in Portland.