Discover what occurred when a Friday evening commute through the Centennial neighborhood in outer East Portland turned tragic on …
Portland Police Major Crash Team investigators close of the crash location where an eastbound motorcycle collided with a vehicle turning into a parking lot. Courtesy KGW-TV News 8
By David F. Ashton
On Friday, October 2, 2026, at 5:43 p.m., Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel rushed to outer East Portland following reports of a severe collision involving a motorcyclist and an automobile driver at S. E. Division Street and S. E. 174th Avenue.
The resting position of the Yamaha R7 motorcycle and the damage to the car door mark the impact scene of this fatal collision on S. E. Division Street. Courtesy KATU-TV Channel 2 News
Emergency crews respond to fatal evening crash
Upon arrival at the scene, EMS determined that the motorcycle rider had died from injuries sustained in the impact. No other injuries were reported. The driver involved in the collision remained at the location to cooperate with arriving officers.
To preserve evidence and facilitate a thorough scene examination, officers closed S. E. Division Street between S. E. 174th Avenue and 175th Place. Members of the PPB Traffic Division Major Crash Team arrived shortly thereafter to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal incident.
Into the early evening, this crash investigation continues. Courtesy KOIN-TV 6 News
Investigators identify victim and seek public assistance
On October 4, 2026, police officials released updated details identifying the deceased motorcyclist as 37-year-old Steven L. Lagrew of Portland.
Initial findings by the PPB Traffic Investigations Unit (TIU) indicate that Lagrew was riding a Yamaha R7 motorcycle eastbound along S. E. Division Street when his vehicle collided with a 2015 Chevrolet Cruz as it was turning into a parking lot.
The driver and sole occupant of the Chevrolet, an adult female, was not physically injured. Authorities confirmed that no arrests have been made and no citations have been issued as the investigation continues.
If you have information, and haven’t yet spoken with investigators, please e-mail crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov attn: Traffic Investigations Unit (TIU) and reference Case No. 26-288014.
Front page photo Courtesy KOIN-TV 6 News
© 2026 David F. Ashton ~ East Portland News™
