Drunken driver flees Portland traffic stop, hits another drunken driver, police say

PORTLAND — A drunken driver fled an overnight traffic stop in Southeast Portland and crashed into another drunken driver, seriously injuring her, police say.

Jakavis T. Paschal was jailed on suspicion of charges including intoxicated driving, Portland police said. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.14%, which is nearly twice the legal limit, police said.

Paschal hit Marquita L. Jefferson, who suffered serious injuries but is expected to survive, according to police. Jefferson had a blood alcohol content of 0.12%, police said; she was cited for intoxicated driving.

An officer initially stopped Paschal, 43, near Southeast Division Street and 119th Avenue at 11:15 p.m. Thursday. As the officer walked to Paschal’s car, he drove away, police said.

The officer chose not to pursue.

Police said other officers saw Paschal’s 2007 Chevrolet Impala traveling north on 122nd Avenue “at a high rate of speed,” however.

Paschal then crashed into Jefferson’s 1993 Mercury Sable, which was traveling west on East Burnside Street.

Jefferson, 30, was taken to a hospital and treated.

Paschal was jailed on suspicion of attempting to elude by vehicle, driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, fourth-degree assault, second-degree criminal mischief, driving while suspended and failing to perform the duties of a driver, police said.

He has been released from jail, records show.