A four-count charging document has been filed against 26-year-old Garrett Bergquist who is accused of running a red light and crashing into an 11-year-old boy who was walking to school. Luis Medina was killed in the crash.
Bergquist is charged with one count of manslaughter in the first degree, one count of manslaughter in the second degree, one count of driving under the influence of intoxicants and one count of reckless driving.
This investigation started on January 6, 2019 when Gresham Police and the East County Vehicular Crimes Team responded to reports of a crash near the intersection of Southeast Hogan Road and Southeast 5th Avenue in Gresham, Oregon.
When law enforcement arrived, they located Medina deceased as a result of his injuries.
Law enforcement determined Medina had the right of way as he was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, according to court documents. Witnesses told police that Bergquist ran a red light at the intersection at a high rate of speed as he traveled southbound on Southeast Hogan Street.
According to court documents, the impact of the crash tossed Medina approximately 80 feet. During the investigation, law enforcement reviewed video that a community member had from a dashboard-mounted camera. The video captured the entire incident and showed Medina’s backpack and other items being thrown as a result of the impact, according to court documents.
Law enforcement learned Bergquist continued to drive a significant distance after the crash and that he exited his vehicle on the phone and then reportedly started taking photos, according to court documents.
As part of the investigation, the Oregon State Police dispatched a drug recognition evaluator to the scene. The trooper determined Bergquist was impaired by central nervous system depressants and narcotic pain relievers to the point at which he could not safely operate a motor vehicle, according to court documents.
This case is being investigated by the Gresham Police Department and the East County Vehicular Crimes Team.
Source: Multnomah County District Attorney