Deadly hit-and-run near Wilkes is 26th fatal crash of '21

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A woman riding a motorized scooter was killed after being struck by a car near the Wilkes neighborhood early Saturday.

Officers with the Portland Police Bureau responded to a report of a crash at NE Sandy Boulevard and NE 149th Avenue around 12:30 a.m. Upon their arrival, officers found the body of a woman who had suffered fatal injuries from the crash.

A bystander remained at the scene but investigators learned the person was not involved in the crash. PPB said the vehicle that struck the woman fled the scene.

Police said the woman was operating a Lime electric scooter when she was struck. They believe the driver who hit her took off.

Anyone has any information about the crash, the suspect vehicle, or who saw anything immediately preceding it, is urged to contact police.

"If anybody saw anything in this area about the time of the crash, if they saw the rider of the scooter maybe shortly before, it might help us build a timeline into what happened, we really want to hear from you," said Portland Police Sgt. Kevin Allen.

PPB said Saturday morning's deadly crash was the 26th of the year for Portland, which is a 100% increase over this time last year. Last year was a three-decade high for fatal crashes despite COVID reducing roadway traffic, police said.