News Release from: Portland Police Bureau

News Release from: Portland Police Bureau
CRIME STOPPERS CASE #10-42 HIT AND RUN
Posted: October 8th, 2010 8:08 AM

***SEE MEDIA VICTIM INTERVIEW AVAILABILITY BELOW***

The Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, is asking for your help in solving a hit and run accident that occurred on September 20, 2010.

On Monday September 20, 2010, at approximately 4:22 p.m., Portland Police officers responded to a residence in the 2800 Block of Southeast 153rd Avenue on the report of a hit and run accident involving a female in a wheelchair. Officers contacted 62-year-old Melinda Barnett at her residence where they learned that Ms. Barnett was on her way home from a coffee shop at Southeast 162nd Avenue and Division Street when she was struck by a dark-colored older car pulling out of a driveway. The vehicle then left the area without contacting Ms. Barnett.

Ms. Barnett was in her electric wheelchair traveling westbound on the south side of Southeast Division Street in the bike lane. Ms. Barnett saw a vehicle pulling out of the driveway to the Tall Firs Mobile Home and RV Park at 15656 Southeast Division Street when she was struck. Ms. Barnett told police that the driver told her that he would follow her home but after she passed by, the driver turned westbound on Division and continued past Ms. Barnett.

Although Ms. Barnett was not knocked out of her wheelchair, she suffered serious injuries to both of her legs, including a broken right leg.

The suspect vehicle is described as a dark-colored older American-made sedan driven by a 45-year-old white mal with medium length dark hair and possibly wearing glasses.

Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for information, reported to Crime Stoppers, that leads to an arrest in this case, or any unsolved felony crime. Callers can remain anonymous. Call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP (4357) or leave a tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com.

Ms. Barnett has been hospitalized and in rehabilitation since the accident. She is available for media interviews today (Friday October 8, 2010) at 10:30 a.m., at the Park Forest Rehabilitation Center, located at 8643 Northeast Beech Street. Media wishing to interview Ms. Barnett is asked to coordinate that through Nancy Leisheit at (503) 256-2151.

Investigator:
Officer Peter Kurronen
Portland Police Bureau
(503) 823-2208

Crime Stoppers Coordinator:
Sergeant Pete Simpson
Portland Police Bureau
(503) 823-0830