Find out why authorities are glad this woman, facing at least nine felony charges, is now in custody, and off the road …
After running a red light, and getting smacked in the intersection of SE 92nd Avenue and SE Woodstock Boulevard, the driver of this Honda tried to make her escape by driving on the sidewalk – facing traffic – until this tree stopped her cold. OSP photo
Story by David F. Ashton
Apparently, 34-year-old Michelle Lee Scoggins was having a bad Sunday morning, on March 28. But, whatever her problems were before 7:40 a.m., they only got worse when she allegedly decided to speed away from a traffic stop in the Lents Neighborhood.
Things started going sideways for Scoggins when Oregon State Police (OSP) Recruit Trooper Naymon Frank attempted to stop the 1986 Honda Prelude she was said to be driving at SE Foster and SE 92nd Avenue in Portland, according to OSP spokesman Sgt. Daniel Swift.
When Recruit Frank signaled for her to stop, Scoggins allegedly refused, and instead, immediately hit the gas and took off – heading westward on SE Foster Road, Swift continued.
After allegedly using her Honda as a battering ram to escape a police pin-in, further to the west of where it sits – this car looks like it’s ready for the junk yard after colliding with an another vehicle as well. OSP photo
Rams OSP patrol car to escape
Careening past the Lents Triangle to the intersection where SE Ellis Street angles into SE Foster Road, “the driver of the Honda lost control, jumped the curb, and struck a city street sign,” reported Swift. “Rct. Frank tried to pin the Honda in at that point, but the driver put the Honda in reverse and deliberately rammed the trooper’s patrol unit.”
The Honda that Scoggins was said to be driving turned around and headed east, passing the Lents Triangle once again. “At SE 92nd and SE Woodstock, the Honda ran a red traffic signal and struck an eastbound Geo Metro with two occupants,” related Swift.
In the distance, (looking south on SE 92nd Avenue,) behind this car into which the fleeing driver allegedly smashed, is a de-barked tree trunk – and the final resting place of the bashed-up Honda. OSP photo
“The impact forced the Honda onto the sidewalk and it continued south on 92nd until it struck a tree and came to a stop,” continued Swift. “The driver then tried to flee the scene on foot, but was immediately apprehended by Rct. Frank.”
The two occupants of the Geo Metro were transported to OHSU hospital with minor injuries.
Swift counted off the charges racked up in the incident: “Michelle Lee Scoggins, of Portland, was lodged at the Multnomah County jail on the following charges: Attempt to Elude Police (Vehicle), Possession of a Controlled Substance, Assault III (two counts), Theft I by Receiving, Assault on a Public Safety Officer, Hit and Run, DUII, Reckless Driving, Criminal Mischief II (Four Counts), and Reckless Endangering.”
Officials accuse this woman, 34-year-old Michelle Lee Scoggins, of multiple charges, stemming from her alleged Sunday morning Lents-area automotive rampage.
The single accounts of Attempt to Elude, Failure to perform the Duties of a Driver in an Injury, and two counts of Assault III, all Class C Felonies, carry bail amounts of $5,000 each, according to Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office booking information. Scoggins remains in custody at this time, according to the Sheriff’s Office records.
“During the days since the incident,” Swift told us, “investigators have carefully examined the vehicle Scoggins was driving. Evidence in the car leads them to believe she is involved in other criminal activity. The investigation is continuing and more charges may be added as new information develops.”
Swift thanked the Portland Police Bureau and Portland Fire & Rescue for assisting the OSP during this event.
© 2010 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News
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