The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office announced on May 11 that it is investigating a crash in which a 47-year-old woman lost control of her SUV and drove into a house in the Pleasant Valley neighborhood, striking a baby’s nursery.
The incident occurred at around 12:15 p.m. when emergency communications received reports of a crash in the 5800-block of Southeast Jenne Road. Responders from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Gresham Fire Department found that the black SUV had traveled down an embankment before crashing into the residence, causing significant structural damage.
According to preliminary findings, the driver was traveling southbound and attempted to pass a truck towing a trailer in a no-passing zone. She moved into the northbound lane but tried to merge back after seeing an oncoming vehicle. During this maneuver, she sideswiped the truck and trailer, lost control, and went down an embankment before colliding with the home. The collision impacted a baby’s nursery; however, authorities said that “the mother had removed the child from the room just minutes before the collision.” The American Red Cross will assist the family with temporary housing.
Deputies anticipate issuing criminal citations to the driver for reckless driving and three counts of recklessly endangering another person. Paramedics transported her to a local hospital for evaluation; deputies did not observe any signs of impairment at the scene. No serious injuries were reported.
Due to cleanup and investigation efforts, Southeast Jenne Road was closed between Southeast Circle Avenue and Southeast Baldry Street with no estimated time for reopening provided by officials. Three photos from the scene have been released by authorities.
A Public Information Officer from Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office responded to provide updates at the site. Officials asked media outlets reporting on this incident to credit “the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office” in full due to similar agency abbreviations within Oregon.