Two paramedics were attempting to assist a woman in Portland on Thursday when she allegedly struck them with her vehicle and fled, according to police.
According to court documents, Rasheon A. Murphy, 29, of Portland, is likely to be charged with two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of failing to fulfil a driver’s duties to an injured person, three counts of failing to fulfil a driver’s duties for property damage, three counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of driving while intoxicated.
A lady later identified as Murphy was discovered unconscious in the driver’s seat of a car parked in the parking lot of a church in the 4500 block of Northeast 116th Avenue when paramedics arrived on the scene at approximately 9 p.m., according to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau.
She woke up, started the car, put it in reverse, and quickly accelerated backwards with the driver’s side door still open when the paramedics attempted to assist her, according to the police. According to authorities, Murphy allegedly pushed the other paramedic against the ambulance with the car’s door and ran over the paramedic’s foot with the vehicle.
Murphy allegedly damaged a parked car and caused additional damage by driving through a manicured area on the church’s grounds before leaving the scene, according to the police.
When police arrived, a K9 officer saw Murphy’s vehicle speeding down Northeast Sandy Boulevard. She was allegedly driving carelessly until she arrived at her residence in the 10700 block of Northeast Wygant Street, where she was taken into custody, according to the police.
When she was arrested, her blood alcohol level was three times the legal limit, according to the police.
According to police, both paramedics were brought to the hospital due to severe injuries but were later released.
Murphy has a number of prior convictions for driving-related charges and violations, according to court records. These include two convictions for driving with a suspended or revoked license in 2021 and one for driving under the influence in 2022. In 2016, she was also found guilty of identity theft, obstructing public transit, and resisting arrest.
Crime, public safety, and local news are all topics covered by breaking news reporter Tatum Todd. You can contact them at 503-221-4313 or [email protected].
