Editor’s note: We have clarified the sequence of events leading to the fatal crash of Aug. 27, 2022.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — More than two months after being indicted, authorities arrested the man accused of killing a young mother in a street racing incident in Southeast Portland over the summer.
Booking records show Kenneth Freeman, 35, was lodged at Multnomah County Jail Thursday on a second-degree manslaughter charge. Freeman was indicted in November on a charge stemming from the Aug. 27 crash that left Ashlee McGill, 26, dead.
Portland police say McGill was walking on Southeast Stark Street and Southeast 133rd Avenue when she was hit and killed by an “out-of-control” vehicle that also hit the vehicle of another speed racer before crashing into a tree. Authorities identified Freeman as one of the drivers involved in the deadly crash on Thursday.
Freeman was first publicly identified as the suspect in November when he was issued a warrant.
Speed racing problem has been an issue in Portland over the last few years. Sergeant Ty Engstrom told KOIN 6 News he hopes police can get a better handle on it this year, but that’s yet to be seen.
“With the low staffing numbers, it’s been difficult for us to keep up with the growing phenomenon that’s happening with speed racing, people coming from all over the northwest and, and other states even, to come and play on the streets of Portland. So we’ve been lucky that it’s kind of died down over the winter, but like every spring it’s gonna start coming back pretty soon,” he said. “I’ve gotten called out to these fatal crashes and witnessed, the devastation because of what people perceive as fun. They’re just going out there and they’re racing or they’re just showing off by burning off their tires, riding wheelies, speeding down the roads, just to show how fast they can go. And what ends up happening is people’s lives are lost or ruined forever.”
State Senator Chris Gorsek from Troutdale is proposing a bill this legislative session to create stiffer punishments for street racing, including up to a year in prison or a $6,200 fine or both if convicted of street racing crimes. For drivers convicted a second time, the bill proposes up to five years in prison or a $125,000 fine or both.