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A Beaverton woman was arrested Thursday morning after her vehicle was involved in two separate crashes along a busy Murray Boulevard corridor, according to authorities. The driver, who has not been publicly identified, was taken into custody after her car came to a stop just south of Southwest Bonnie Brae Street, with both collisions stemming from an impatient attempt to pass a TriMet bus.
The first incident unfolded near Southwest Murray Boulevard and Southwest Farmington Road. Police say the woman grew frustrated while idling behind a TriMet bus and attempted to squeeze around it, striking a passing car in the process. Instead of stopping to exchange information or assist the other driver, she allegedly continued south on Murray Boulevard, leaving the scene of the accident.
Moments later, the woman crashed into a second vehicle near Southwest Murray Boulevard and Southwest Bonnie Brae Street. The impact was severe enough to disable her own car, bringing the chase to an end. Two Beaverton police officers arrived on the scene, along with the driver of the second vehicle, and the woman was quickly detained without further incident.
Authorities cited the woman on three counts: Hit and Run, Driving While Suspended, and Driving Uninsured. Under Oregon law, hit-and-run charges can range from a Class A traffic infraction to a misdemeanor, depending on the extent of the damage and whether anyone was injured. In this case, no injuries were reported, but the driver still faces significant fines and potential jail time if prosecutors choose to elevate the charges.
The incident has sparked renewed attention to driver behavior around transit vehicles. Oregon law specifically requires motorists to yield to buses when they signal and pull back into traffic, a rule that is frequently overlooked on high-traffic stretches like Murray Boulevard. TriMet, the region’s transit agency, has long campaigned for patience around buses, noting that sudden stops and narrow lanes make passing especially risky.
“Passing a bus impatiently is not just illegal — it puts everyone at risk,” a TriMet spokesperson told KPTV in a statement. “We appreciate the quick response of the Beaverton police and are relieved that no one was seriously hurt.”
Records from the Beaverton Police Department show that the stretch of Murray Boulevard between Farmington Road and Bonnie Brae Street has seen a handful of similar incidents in the past three years. Local traffic safety advocates say the corridor would benefit from clearer lane markings and better signage warning drivers of frequent bus stops. Some have also called for a protected median to discourage aggressive lane changes near bus zones.
The woman’s name has not yet been released, but police indicated that further information may be disclosed within 24 hours. Her vehicle was towed from the scene, and a court date is expected to be set in the coming weeks. She could also face administrative consequences from the Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services division, including an extended suspension and additional reinstatement fees.
Beaverton police remind drivers that even minor collisions require drivers to stop, exchange insurance information, and report the crash if it involves damage over a certain threshold. Leaving the scene, even for a moment, can turn a simple fender-bender into a criminal matter. In this case, the driver’s suspended license and lack of insurance may also work against her in any civil proceedings brought by the other drivers involved.
As the investigation continues, the case serves as a reminder that patience behind the wheel is not just courteous — it can prevent devastating consequences. Murray Boulevard, a major route that carries thousands of commuters daily, sees frequent bus activity and stop-and-go traffic. Drivers are urged to maintain a safe following distance and never attempt to pass a bus unless the lane is clearly clear and legal to do so.
Anyone who witnessed either crash or has dashcam footage is asked to contact the Beaverton Police Department’s non-emergency line. The department says additional witnesses could provide useful context for the investigation, particularly regarding the moments between the first and second collisions.
