On October 25, 2020, at approximately 12:01 a.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s patrol deputies responded to the 7900 block of SE 282nd Ave. in Gresham for a 911 hang-up call. While on their way to the location, deputies learned a vehicle had hit a pedestrian. Deputies arrived on scene and confirmed the pedestrian, identified as Christopher Smith, 27, was deceased. Due to the severity of the crash, the East County Vehicular Crimes Team (ECVCT) was activated to perform an investigation. The driver, Rolando Mariano-Gonzalez, 20, cooperated with the investigation and consented to a field sobriety test and blood draw. Investigators do not believe impairment was a factor. At this time, there are no criminal charges against Mariano-Gonzalez.
During the investigation, deputies learned Smith had been drinking at a local restaurant. Witnesses reported that Smith was wearing dark clothing and walking in and out of the roadway trying to flag down cars as they drove by before he was hit.
This is the 26th ECVCT activation and 18th death on roadways in Gresham and Unincorporated Multnomah County this year.
Fall driving tips:
- The days are becoming shorter which means visibility is reduced. Turn on your headlights and watch for pedestrians walking or biking on the roadway at dawn, dusk or night.
- With the time change, the sun rises and sets at different times. The sunset and sunrise may even occur during the morning and evening rush hour, producing a dangerous glare at the same time that many cars are on the road. Keep a pair of sunglasses in your car that you can wear to reduce sun glare.
- The cool overnight temperatures bring morning frost. Keep a snow broom/ice remover in your car and give yourself extra time to clear your windows of frost before you start driving. Also, be aware of frost on the roadways, especially when driving on bridges, overpasses, or in a shaded area.
- Perform a vehicle check. Make sure all lights are working properly, tires have enough tread and properly inflated and check wipers and defrosters to ensure they are working properly.