Man Killed in SE Portland Hit and Run Car Crash

Date:  January 28, 2012
Location:  SE Foster Road intersection with SE 71st Avenue
Names:  Jason Lee Grant, Jim Dean Patterson

Portland police are trying to find the driver of a dark-colored pickup or SUV that may have been involved in a hit-and-run accident in Southeast Portland Saturday evening. The pedestrian who was hit by the vehicle has died from his injuries.

The accident happened at about 7 p.m. Police received reports that a pedestrian had been hit at the junction of SE Foster Road and SE 71st Avenue. Witnesses said the driver of the suspect vehicle continued east on Foster Road, without ever stopping. Officer Erik Koppang told The Oregonian that the vehicle is likely to have front end or hood damage.

The injured man, Jason Lee Grant, 26, of Vancouver, was taken to a Portland hospital, but he later died from his injuries.  Police only released his name Monday after next of kin had been notified.

Our hearts go out to the Jason Grant’s family during this difficult time.

Hit-and-run is a serious crime, and conviction will result in your driving privileges being suspended or revoked. In any accident, you have the following obligations:

* Stop at once. If anyone is killed or unconscious, you must stay at the scene until a police officer arrives.

* Render aid. Do not move an injured person carelessly, but give reasonable aid

* Exchange information with the other driver. Give them your name, address, driver’s license number, license plate number, and insurance information. DMV offers a printable checklist you can download and keep in your car.

* Report the accident to DMV.

We can’t help being horrified by this hit-and-run. The driver of this vehicle may have frightened and in shock, but that does not excuse leaving Grant injured at the scene. Grant was dying, and leaving him was inexcusable. We implore drivers in any accident situation to put the safety and welfare of others above their own interests, and always, always remain at the scene and make sure no one is hurt.

Hit-and-run is a serious violation of Oregon Vehicle Code 811.705. The hit-and-run driver must be held civilly and criminally responsible for his actions. In a case like this, Grant’s family may be well advised to contact a reputed personal injury attorney with experience in hit-and-run crashes who will fight for the justice and compensation that they deserve. At Shulman DuBois, we believe that what happened to Jason Grant is simply unacceptable; we are committed to making sure that hit-and-run drivers are held accountable for their actions and that both victims and families receive the compensation they deserve.

UPDATE: The police have arrested Jim Dean Patterson, 53, from Portland.  Patterson turned himself in at the same time the police were on their way to his house to arrest him.

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