Driver Charged with Killing Bicyclist Had Suspended License

The man charged with striking a bicyclist on the St. John's Bridge and killing him over the weekend boasted to police that he'd received dozens of tickets for with a suspended license over the years.

Joel Schrantz, who was released on bail after being charged with criminally negligent homicide for killing Mitchell York, was driving his 1995 Toyota 4Runner northbound and was stopped at a red light on Northwest Bridge Avenue at the entrance to the St. Johns Bridge.

Police say that when the light turned green, Schrantz accelerated into the curve and lost control of the vehicle as it began to fishtail as he turned onto the bridge.

Schrantz failed to maintain control as it slid into the westbound lanes of the bridge, where he struck and killed York.

Court documents indicate that Schrantz told police that he knew the Toyota needed new tires. They also say that he laughed about all of his tickets, saying he got them because he never renewed his license.

Police say that York, who lived in Northeast Portland, was a dedicated bicycle rider who logged more than 500 miles per week.

This was the 35th traffic fatality of the year in Portland.

Photo Multnomah County Sheriff's Office