Officials say they have arrested, as an allegedly impaired driver, the man was to blame for an outer East Portland wreck which sent two people to the hospital …
This crash, on border between the Glenfair and Wilkes neighborhoods, may have been caused by a speeding, alcohol-fueled driver. PPB image
By David Ashton
Across from Glenfair Elementary School, an explosive head-on two-vehicle crash brought out emergency first responders in the early evening hours of December 29.
Portland Police Bureau (PPB) officers were dispatched to the 15300 block of NE Glisan Street at 5:18 p.m. when several callers reported the crash to the 9-1-1 Center.
Upon arrive, officers found a smashed 1998 Honda Accord and a 1997 Nissan SUV in the roadway.
Still to be found in the left-turn lane, the demolished Honda which rammed, head-on, an SUV. PPB image
According to witnesses, the Honda was westbound, driving down the road in the center “turn lane” at speeds in excess of 70 mph. The driver lost control of the car on patches of snow – and slid, out of control, head-on into an eastbound Nissan.
The impact of the crash caused the driver of the Honda – later identified as Justin C. Harris of Gresham, who was not wearing a seatbelt – was ejected through the windshield, and was found about 35 feet away from his car, PPB officials said.
At the hospital, Harris was criminally cited for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants – Alcohol, and with Reckless Driving.
The driver of this SUV ended up in the hospital, with serious injuries. PPB image
Fortunately, the driver of the Nissan SUV was wearing a seatbelt – and although the victim was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries, they are not believed to be life-threatening, say the police.
PPB Traffic Investigators are asking any witnesses who have not already spoken with the police, to contact them via email at crimetips@portlandoregon.gov – and reference Case No. 21-361875.
© 2021 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™