After Hit-And-Run, Wrong Way Driver Killed On I-84

PORTLAND, OR — A fatal two-car crash on Interstate-84 Thursday night reportedly involved a hit-and-run driver traveling in the opposite direction of traffic while being chased by Portland police officers, authorities announced Friday.

Police were initially dispatched to a two-car crash near the intersection of Northeast 99th Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street just after 11:30 p.m. April 19.

At the crash scene, officers found a red Ford Mustang and its driver, reportedly sustained minor injuries in the collision. However, the other car involved, a white Toyota Celica, fled the scene afterward, police said.

Responding officers located the Toyota traveling in the 1300-block of Northeast 99th Avenue and reportedly tried to pull the driver over; once again, the driver fled — this time turning onto I-84 and entering the eastbound lanes from the wrong direction.

The officer reportedly followed the fleeing Celica into oncoming traffic on I-84 through the off-ramp at Exit 7.

Shortly after taking the interstate, the westbound Celica collided with an eastbound Toyota Prius on the east side of the Northeast 82nd Avenue overpass.

The Prius driver was taken to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said. The Celica driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

I-84 eastbound lanes were reportedly closed for a period at Northeast 82nd Avenue.

Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to call 503-823-3333.

Image via Shutterstock