A DUII suspect is in custody, accused of crashing into multiple vehicles while trying to get away from police Sunday evening.
The suspect, identified as 61-year-old Nathaniel N. Franklin Jr., crashed into a total of four vehicles, police said. A woman died in one of the crashes and three people were hospitalized, according to the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).
Franklin was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He faces charges of first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, driving under the influence of intoxicants and driving while suspended. He pleaded not guilty to all charges in court Monday.
Police said alcohol impairment and extreme speeding played a role in the fatal crash.
On June 25 around 6:10 p.m., a Gresham police officer in the area of Northeast 181st Avenue and Northeast Pacific Street saw a vehicle that matched the description of one connected to a string of armed robberies. Police later said it was a 2004 Buick Regal. The officer tried to get behind the vehicle to pull it over near Northeast 181st Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street, a short way down the road, but the driver sped away, PPB said.
The driver, who was traveling west on Northeast Glisan Street, rear-ended two vehicles just west of 148th Avenue in Portland. Two people were in one of the cars and a woman died, PPB said. The other person was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The other car was parked and unoccupied.
The suspect then veered into the eastbound lane and hit two more vehicles, police said. Two people in one of the vehicles went to the hospital to be evaluated. The driver of the fourth vehicle didn't appear to have any injuries and stayed at the scene, PPB said.
"Just screeching of a car and a really loud bang," said one neighbor recalling the crash. "Pretty much knew somebody probably expired."
The image below, taken from video of one of the crash scenes, shows a damaged car on the side of the road and another on top of a tow truck.
Police officers took the suspect into custody. They have not released any details on the string of armed robberies they suspected Franklin to be connected to.
The Portland Police Bureau Major Crash Team is investigating the crash since it happened in Portland.
A spokesperson with the bureau said the preliminary investigation indicates the Gresham officers were preparing to pursue Franklin, but didn't appear to be near him at the time of the crash.
"This all happened very quickly and it wasn't like the officers were actively chasing this car," Sgt. Kevin Allen said.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to send an email to crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov. addressed "attention Traffic Investigations Unit" and reference case number 23-166974.
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