New Jersey man dies in Montavilla crosswalk

Officials say he was walking against the light …

The intersection of NE 82^nd Avenue at NE Glisan Street is closed, as Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division investigate a fatal car vs. pedestrian accident.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

The radio was still playing in the blue Toyota Camry LE, as it was hooked up to a tow truck after it struck and killed a man crossing NE 82^nd Avenue at NE Glisan Street.

The incident began at 9:00 a.m. on August 11, when Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct Division officers – and later, Traffic Division crash investigators – were called to the northeast quadrant of the intersection.

Portland Fire & Rescue Montavilla Station Engine 19 prepares to leave, after washing down the pavement at the accident scene.

At first, the entire outer East Portland intersection was shut down; but soon only the northbound lanes of NE 82^nd Avenue, adjacent to the Montavilla Community Center, remained blocked to traffic.

“I couldn’t see it very good from where I was standing,” Jose Dominguez told East Portland News. “But it looked like the guy was holding his coffee, and just stepped out into traffic.”

The shattered windshield on this car indicates the severity of the impact with the pedestrian.

The victim was identified as 60-year-old Edgar Caceres of Union City, New Jersey, according to PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Pete Simpson.

“Traffic officers learned that Caceres was crossing NE 82nd Avenue in the northern crosswalk, walking eastbound,” Simpson said. “Caceres was proceeding against a ‘Don’t Walk’ pedestrian signal.

“He was struck by a 1990 Toyota Camry driven by 58-year-old Cindy Chew of Southeast Portland,” Simpson elaborated. “Chew was driving northbound on 82nd Avenue, in the right lane.”

Traffic is lined up on northbound NE 82nd Avenue, while the crash investigation continues.

Chew’s vehicle was towed from the scene as part of the investigation.

“Chew was transported to a Portland hospital for treatment and did not show any signs of impairment,” Simpson added. “No citations have been issued in this case.”

The case remains under investigation and, once complete, will be forwarded to the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office for review.

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