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Thursday, Feb. 14, 2025 — The vehicle that struck and killed a construction flagger in Gresham early Monday morning has been located in Vancouver, Washington, according to Gresham police. The white sedan was found Wednesday afternoon at an apartment complex after a joint effort between Gresham and Vancouver officers.
The crash happened around 5 a.m. Monday near Northeast Hogan Drive and Division Street, where the driver plowed through a construction zone before fleeing the scene. The victim, identified as Miguel Jimenez, 50, was taken to a hospital with critical injuries and died Monday night.
Gresham police said they used surveillance footage from surrounding businesses and the city’s network of public safety cameras to identify the suspect vehicle. Once the vehicle was located, it was seized as evidence. No arrests have been made, and investigators are still working to identify the driver.
“We are grateful for the quick cooperation from Vancouver police,” said Sgt. Jennifer Sanders, a Gresham police spokesperson. “This case is far from closed, and we are actively pursuing all leads.”
The tragedy has shaken the construction community in the Portland area. Jimenez, a 10-year veteran of the industry, was employed by a local traffic control company and was working a night shift to direct traffic near a residential development. His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover funeral expenses, and coworkers described him as a dedicated worker and father of three.
“He was just doing his job, trying to keep everyone safe,” said a colleague who asked not to be named. “It’s devastating that someone would just drive through and leave him there.”
The construction site was clearly marked with cones, warning signs, and flashing lights, police said. The driver’s failure to slow down or stop raises serious questions about impaired driving or distracted driving, although investigators have not ruled out any factor.
Neighbors near the crash site told reporters they heard a loud screech followed by a heavy thud. “I woke up at 5 a.m. to a sound like metal hitting something hard,” said a resident who lives on Division Street. “I didn’t realize until later that a person had been hit.”
Gresham police are urging anyone who may have seen the white sedan—described as a mid-2000s model with possible front-end damage—or who has dashcam footage from the area around the time of the crash to come forward. Tips can be submitted anonymously through the Gresham Police Department’s tip line.
This is the second fatal hit-and-run involving a construction worker in the Portland metro area this year. In January, a flagger was killed on Highway 99 when a driver struck him and fled. Safety advocates are renewing calls for stricter penalties for drivers who flee the scene of a crash, especially in work zones.
“Flaggers are vulnerable. They’re standing in the road with no protection except a vest and a sign,” said Mike O’Brien, a construction safety consultant. “Every driver needs to treat work zones like they’re entering a school zone—slow down and pay attention.”
The investigation is ongoing. Gresham police said they are working with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office to determine potential charges once a suspect is identified. The vehicle is being forensically examined for DNA, fingerprints, and other evidence.
Anyone with information can call Gresham police at 503-618-2719 or contact the tip line at 503-618-2777.
