Drunk Driver Crashes Into TriMet Bus Shelter, Police Say

PORTLAND, OR — An early morning crash on Southeast Powell Boulevard has resulted in the arrest of one man and the destruction of TriMet bus shelter, according to Portland police.

Andrew R. McLaughlin, 28, was lodged at the Multnomah County Jail on charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants (DUII), reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, failure to perform the duties of a driver (hit and run), and two counts of criminal mischief. Misdemeanor charges all, McLaughlin was released on his own recognizance.

According to officers, around 12:30 a.m. on June 29 McLaughlin and an unnamed passenger were traveling east on Southeast Powell Boulevard, near Southeast 50th Avenue, when for unknown reasons he drove his white truck into a TriMet bus shelter and concrete barrier. McLaughlin and his passenger both exited the vehicle and began walking away from the crash before Portland officers stopped and took them into custody, police said.

McLaughlin was taken to jail while his also-intoxicated passenger was taken to a "sobering facility," police said.

From the Portland Police Bureau:

Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs injure and kill thousands of people every year. People consuming alcohol or drugs are urged not to get behind the wheel and should have a sober driver or utilize taxis, rideshare companies or transit so everyone is safe on our streets.

The Portland Police Bureau is committed to working with our partners in government and the community to create safer streets and work towards reducing, and eventually eliminating, traffic fatalities as part of Vision Zero. To learn more about the City of Portland's Vision Zero effort, please visit: http://www.portlandoregon.gov/transportation/40390

Photo Courtesy: Portland Police Bureau