Two Portland Police Bureau officers were injured after a crash on Interstate 205 when a driver slammed into their patrol car late Tuesday night, authorities reported.
The collision occurred around 11:18 p.m. near Southeast Market Street as the officers were facilitating a tow service for another vehicle, based on preliminary investigations by the Portland Police Bureau. Brent W. Bussell, 48, of Happy Valley, was identified as the motorist who, crashed into the police vehicle, causing significant damage to both vehicles.
Following the incident, the officers and Bussell were transported to local hospitals for treatment. According to the Portland Police Bureau, the officers have since been released and are poised to recover. The conditions of the individuals involved have raised significant community concern, yet relief ensues with the officers' release from medical supervision.
Upon release from the hospital, Bussell faced immediate arrest for driving under the influence and reckless driving. He was booked into Multnomah County Jail, where, impairment is believed to have played a role in the crash's occurrence as per statements obtained by KPTV. The subsequent closure of I-205 south of Southeast Division Street prompted significant traffic delays while the Major Crash Team conducted their investigation, but the interstate has since reopened.
The investigation into the exact cause of the crash is ongoing, spearheaded by the PPB's Major Crash Team. In the meantime, the incident acts as another stark reminder of the hazards emergency responders face on the roads, and the potentially dire consequences of driving under the influence.
