On Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 1:55 a.m., Central Precinct officers responded to the report of a single-vehicle crash into a telephone pole in the 2600 block of Southwest 3rd Avenue.
Officers arrived at the scene of the collision and determined that an off-duty Portland Police Bureau member was driving the vehicle that crashed into a telephone pole. Based on information learned during the investigation, alcohol was determined to be a factor.
The driver, Steve Jones, was arrested and processed for DUII by Oregon State Police. The Oregon State Police cited and released Commander Jones for Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants, as is standard practice for the Oregon State Police in Multnomah County.
Commander Jones was driving a City of Portland vehicle as part of his current assignment, which requires him to respond 24/7. There were no other people in the vehicle at the time of the crash and Jones was not injured.
Commander Jones is a 23-year-veteran of the Portland Police Bureau. He was placed on paid Administrative Leave, which is standard procedure, pending the resolution of this investigation. Captain Jeff Bell will now serve as Acting Commander of the Professional Standards Division.
"As law enforcement officers, we are held to a higher standard, regardless of rank or classification, that demands accountability. This incident will be thoroughly investigated."
Due to the Bureau member's assignment as Commander of the Professional Standards Division, the Police Bureau requested Oregon State Police respond to process the Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants investigation. Oregon State Police will continue with the criminal investigation.
Source: Portland Police Bureau