Neighbors say the intersection where an off-duty police officer was killed in an accident has a dangerous reputation

PORTLAND, Oregon (COIN) — As the community mourns the fatal traffic accident of an off-duty deputy sheriff, residents say the intersection where the accident occurred has a dangerous reputation.

Deputy Richard “Rich” Thompson was running out of time for his job at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office when he Serious injuries near the intersection of Southwest 201st Avenue and West Baseline Road Wednesday night. The accident occurred around 5 p.m. as he was riding his own electric scooter home from work. Officials said officers and community members arrived at the scene of the accident, but he died moments later.

A Portland-based app that highlights queer-owned businesses invites users to be their ‘authentic selves’

There is currently a general outpouring of grief for Thompson’s family at the intersection, which several neighbors told KOIN 6 News can be quite busy during rush hour. Two witnesses, a woman named Shawna and her daughter, said the moments leading up to the accident were horrific.

“I don’t know exactly what happened, but I saw the scooter on the ground and the car on the side of the road,” Shawna said. “She (my daughter) was closer, she saw everything. She saw him coughing up blood when they pulled the helmet off his head.”

Colleagues of Thompson, who has worked for the Washington County Sheriff’s Office since 2001, recall the best moments of his long career in law enforcement.

“He was an extraordinary deputy, father, spouse, teammate and friend who lived an extraordinary life with the family he loved extraordinarily,” said Sheriff Caprice Massey.

Neighbors who live near the intersection where the fatal accident occurred said there is a constant danger.

“You really have to keep your head on the right track. Especially during rush hour,” said Ned Blaisdill. “I usually ride my scooter here in the morning and have had people just ignore me.”

Portland City Council debates further funding for homeless services

Blaisdill said he regularly uses his Onewheel, a single-wheel electric scooter, to get to and from work.

“Maybe the lights on these scooters are not sufficient or something, but yes, there have been several times where they just didn’t see me coming,” he said.

Thompson leaves behind two children and his wife, who, according to his colleagues, got to know and love over time.

“We wrap our arms around the Thompson family and each other as we all mourn this incredible loss,” Massey said.

Forest Grove police are leading the investigation. They said the driver involved in the accident is cooperating. There is also a GoFundMe for the Thompson family as they grapple with this devastating loss.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports and streaming video, visit KOIN.com.