Drunk driver crashes into parked MiPD Patrol Car

1/24/24

Milwaukie, OR - On 1/24/24 approximately 2:00 AM, Milwaukie Officers were onscene of a trespassing person near the 11500 Block of SE Linwood Ave. A resident had reported an unknown individual in their backyard. Officers set up a perimeter and located the suspect with the assistance of a thermal camera equipped drone and took them into custody without incident. 

During the search, an Officer parked a marked patrol vehicle in the Northbound lane of travel on SE Linwood Ave. with parking lights and red and blue lights activated alerting motorists to the parked emergency vehicle. Officers escorted the handcuffed suspect to the non-roadway side of the parked patrol vehicle to process them for transport. 

An officer noticed a vehicle, identified as a black Chevrolet Camaro, traveling at posted speeds in the Northbound lane of travel on SE Linwood Ave. with no headlights activated. The Officer realized the driver was not slowing down and quickly alerted two other Officers to take hold of the suspect and jump out of the way just prior to the Camaro colliding with the marked patrol vehicle. No occupants were inside the patrol vehicle, no injuries were sustained. 

The original suspect from the trespass was emotionally affected by the incident and unable to care for himself. MPD officers placed him on a Behavioral Health Hold in lieu of arrest. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrived and assumed the crash investigation. The driver of the Camaro, identified as Jeffery Michael Bertsch, 31, was transported to a local hospital and later released to Clackamas County Deputies and lodged at the Clackamas County jail on charges of DUII, Reckless Driving and four counts of Recklessly Endangering.

MiPD Body Worn Camera excerpt; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qFXs52EqOoQ
 

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the Clackamas County Sheriff's Office tip line 503-723-4949. MiPD Case 24-000499 CCSO Case 24-0001355