Beaverton Crash Causes Power Outage, Closes Part of T.V. Highway

BEAVERTON, OR – A man drove his new Jeep out of a dealership in Beaverton and right into a power pole on the Tualatin Valley Highway Wednesday night.

Beaverton police spokesman Mike Rowe said Portland General Electric crews have closed the highway for a number of hours while they work to clear the area. Thursday morning commuters are advised to find alternate routes around T.V. Highway between Southwest Murray Boulevard and Southwest Hocken Avenue.

PGE spokewoman Samantha Clemans told Patch the resulting power outage has affected 198 residents, though she estimated power will be restored around 2:30 p.m.

The outage occurred shortly after 11 p.m. March 29, after Beaverton resident Michael Baca, 24, drove his new Jeep Cherokee off a dealership lot and onto T.V. Highway, Rowe said.

Baca was being followed by a friend who reportedly rear-ended the Jeep, sending Baca into the power pole.

No injuries were reported, Rowe said, but the at-fault driver was cited for not having a driver’s license or insurance and careless driving.

This post will be updated as more information is made available, power is restored, or T.V. Highway reopens.

This post has been updated to reflect the updated estimated time for power to be restored.

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