Note: This is part of our Collision Chronicles project. Learn more here.
Received 8/26/16:
Jonathan,
Just want to let you and the readers know that my friend [name redacted] was involved in a hit and run while he was riding in Sellwood this week.
Luckily? he had a witness that was able to get the license plate number and waited for the police to turn up (one hour later). However, the officer on the scene did not believe my friend or the witness. According to both my friend and the witness the car swerved into him contacting his handlebar and causing him to crash, then sped off. Another crash and lame-ass response from the police.
The officer basically said it was my friends word against the driver (the officer apparently is a prosecutor as well) thus ignoring the witness. The officer asked my friend “what do you want to do” (dismissively) he responded “how about charging the driver” he said he would be in touch. My friend is not holding his breath. Luckily, my friend was not seriously injured.
Cheers,
[name redacted]
— Jonathan Maus, (503) 706-8804 – jonathan@bikeportland.org
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we need more reports like this of police inaction so we can take the case to the PPB that they’re helping create these problems due to their constant inaction…
This makes my blood boil. Guys… if you can afford it, please get bike cameras. We shouldn’t need them, but they help when confronted with idiot drivers and idiot cops. I highly recommend Rideye.
Don’t buy rideye. Unreliable and non existent support customer service.
My mind has changed since writing that comment, and I totally agree. Thank you for sharing. Don’t get Rideye, guys. Get GoPro or anything else. Major flaws with Rideye camera and nonexistent customer service.
Can we call out the officer’s name / badge in stories like this?