Police ID PSU Hit And Run Driver

PORTLAND, OR — Police are still unsure why Greg Phillip Porter drove his Mazda Tribute SUV onto the sidewalk in front of the Starbucks at Portland State University Friday morning, but they've charged him with attempted murder.

Three women were injured — two seriously — when Porter steered his car into a crowd of people near the intersection of Southwest Sixth Avenue and Southwest Hall Street, between Southwest Harrison and Southwest Montgomery streets at Portland State University, just after 10 a.m. May 25.

Porter, 61, was arrested a few hours after the crash when police surrounded his vehicle at Northeast 16th Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street, across the river from downtown between Buckman Heights and the Parkview Apartments.

In addition to the attempted murder charge, Porter faces charges for assault, reckless driving, and failure to perform the duties of a driver.

Several hours after the incident and a couple hours after Porter's arrest, police authorities released an update on the conditions of the injured women.

All three women were reportedly taken to Oregon Health & Science University. One was in critical condition, another was in serious condition, and the third woman asked that her status not be shared with the public.

"I recognize the sensitivity and concerns that surround high profile incidents like the one today," said Chief Danielle Outlaw said in a statement released by the Portland Police Bureau. "Our first thoughts are with the victims and their families. Investigators are working diligently to collect the facts and maintain the integrity of the case. Information will be made available as soon as it is learned and is appropriate to do so."

Police originally said a fourth person may have been hit, but no reports were made to confirm that.

Witnesses told KATU News immediately following the crash that Porter appeared to be traveling more than 40 mph, and that he fled immediately after hitting the three women.

In live video from KATU News, Porter's SUV could be seen during his arrest; it appeared to have a large dent in the hood on the passenger side.

Portland Fire & Rescue officials closed Southwest Sixth Avenue for several hours while police investigated.

This post has been updated.

Image via Portland Police Bureau