Portland police investigate fatal Northeast Columbia Boulevard pedestrian collision, closing lanes between MLK Jr. and 11th
Investigation shuts down a key freight corridor in Northeast Portland
Portland police are investigating a fatal crash that killed a pedestrian early Friday morning on Northeast Columbia Boulevard, prompting a full closure of the roadway for several hours as crash investigators documented the scene.
Officers responded at 4:44 a.m. to the 500 block of Northeast Columbia Boulevard after reports that a pedestrian had been struck by a vehicle. When officers arrived, the pedestrian was found dead at the scene. The driver of the involved vehicle stayed at the location and has been cooperating with investigators.
What police say happened
The preliminary investigation indicates a pickup truck traveling westbound struck the pedestrian. Police identified the person who died as 45-year-old Robert Rodriguez Jr.
Police said no signs of impairment were observed by responding officers. The Major Crash Team was called to conduct a detailed investigation, a step typically used in fatal or potentially criminal traffic cases to preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and reconstruct the events leading to the collision.
Road closure and traffic impacts
During the investigation, Northeast Columbia Boulevard was closed in both directions between Northeast Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Northeast 11th Avenue. The closure affected a heavily traveled industrial and freight route that connects neighborhoods and commercial areas in Northeast Portland, including access points to I-5 and other regional arterials.
Police initially expected the closure to last a couple of hours, reflecting the time needed to map the scene, photograph evidence, and measure roadway factors such as lane geometry and sightlines. Drivers were advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes while the closure remained in effect.
Public assistance and next steps
Investigators are seeking information from anyone who may have witnessed the crash or traveled through the area around the time it occurred. Police asked anyone with information who has not already spoken with investigators to contact the Traffic Investigations Unit and reference case number 25-235990.
Location: 500 block of Northeast Columbia Boulevard
Time: 4:44 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025
Victim identified: Robert Rodriguez Jr., 45
Closure: NE Columbia Blvd closed both directions between NE MLK Jr. Blvd and NE 11th Ave during investigation
Police emphasized that the information released so far reflects preliminary findings and that the investigation will determine the full sequence of events and contributing factors.