Motorcyclist left critically injured after late-night collision in Southeast Portland, prompting major crash investigation
What happened
A motorcyclist suffered life-threatening injuries in a collision in Southeast Portland that drew an extensive police response and a traffic investigation. The crash occurred at the intersection of Southeast Flavel Street and Southeast 112th Avenue at about 11:16 p.m. on June 5, 2024.
Emergency responders arrived to find a severely injured motorcycle rider. The other vehicle involved was a passenger car, and its driver was also injured and taken to a hospital. Police said the driver’s injuries were serious but not expected to be fatal.
Initial findings from investigators
Investigators determined the motorcyclist was traveling south on Southeast 112th Avenue on a Harley-Davidson Softail when the motorcycle struck the driver’s side of a Ford Focus that was traveling east on Southeast Flavel Street. Police reported no immediate arrests at the time the initial information was released, and the investigation remained open.
As is standard in serious-injury or fatal crashes, the Portland Police Bureau’s Major Crash Team responded to document evidence, map the scene, and interview witnesses. The investigation required temporary road closures around the intersection to allow investigators to work safely and preserve physical evidence.
Road impacts and what authorities requested from the public
Traffic restrictions were put in place around the crash site while investigators processed the scene. Police asked anyone who witnessed the crash or had relevant information to contact the Traffic Investigations Unit, referencing case number 24-138693.
Why these investigations can take time
Serious motorcycle collisions typically require investigators to reconstruct the sequence of events using multiple forms of evidence. That can include vehicle damage patterns, roadway markings, debris fields, traffic-signal timing (when applicable), and witness statements. In some cases, investigators also review available video from nearby cameras and collect data from vehicle event recorders if present.
What is confirmed and what remains unknown
Confirmed: The crash occurred near Southeast Flavel Street and Southeast 112th Avenue at about 11:16 p.m. on June 5, 2024.
Confirmed: A motorcycle and a passenger car collided, leaving the motorcyclist with life-threatening injuries and the car’s driver seriously injured.
Confirmed: Police reported no immediate arrest and continued investigating the circumstances.
Unconfirmed publicly: Whether speed, impairment, right-of-way violations, or road conditions contributed to the crash.
Anyone with information about the collision was asked to contact the Traffic Investigations Unit and reference case number 24-138693.