The driver who killed one person and injured nine others was at times driving at speeds of 50 to 60 mph as he raced through streets in southeast Portland, police said Tuesday.
“Detectives say that the driver’s actions did show intent to hit and injure people,” police said.
The Portland Police Bureau said in a statement that it doesn’t appear Monday’s incident was an act of terrorism or the unidentified suspect had bias or any political motivations.
Police identified the person who died as 77-year-old Jean Gerich of Portland. She died of blunt force trauma, according to the state medical examiner.
“Jean Gerich was not a nameless victim,” her family said in a statement released through police. “She was a loving mother of two. She was a proud grandmother of five, ages 4 to 16. She would have turned 78 in twelve days. She beat cancer five years ago. She received her first vaccination shot last week and was overjoyed to get out in the world again.”
At least six other people went to the hospital, police said.
“All of us at PPB send our sincere condolences to the loved ones of the person who was killed as well as our hopes for recovery to those injured,” Chief Chuck Lovell said in the statement. “We are committed to a full investigation so that the person involved can be held accountable for these senseless acts of violence.”
Seven pedestrians and two cyclists were hit, Officer Derek Carmon told CNN. Another person had a head injury and couldn’t remember whether they were in a vehicle or not, he said. On Monday, police said the suspect also hit other cars.
“Most victims suffered minor injuries and are recovering,” police said.
The crime scene stretched over more than a dozen blocks in southeast Portland, on both roads and sidewalks, officials said.
Police were first notified about an erratic driver around noon Monday and calls about injured people began shortly after 1 p.m. ET.
“Additional witness reports indicate the suspect was traveling approximately 50-60 mph in other parts of the neighborhood as he continued with his erratic driving,” police said.
The suspect vehicle eventually crashed and the driver tried to run but was stopped by civilians until police arrived. The driver is in a hospital and has not been booked into jail.