Police say Sun Bear Raven, 36, of Gresham was driving 100 mph with a suspended license during fatal May 14 crash
A Gresham man has been indicted on a charge of manslaughter for a crash on Highway 26 that killed another Gresham resident.
On Tuesday, June 11, a Multnomah County Grand Jury indicted Sun Bear Raven, 36, of Gresham on charges of first-degree manslaughter, driving with a suspended license, reckless driving and seven counts of reckless endangerment.
Raven crashed his black Mercedes into another vehicle May 14 at Highway 26 and Southeast Hillyard Road, killing Donald M. Bard, 54 of Gresham. Bard died at the scene. Raven was hospitalized in serious condition, but was later booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center.
Police believe Ravens excessive speed and reckless driving contributed to the accident, Grandjean said. A Gresham officer monitoring traffic on Highway 26 at Southeast 267th Avenue shortly before the crash estimated Raven's speed to be 100 mph. The officer pulled into traffic to follow and stop the motorist, but it crashed into a 2008 Mazda driven by Bard, then the Mercedes caught on fire.
The officer and bystanders pulled Raven out of the burning vehicle.
Raven's license was suspended for a variety of traffic crimes, including drunken driving. His arrest records in Clackamas and Multnomah counties date back to 1996 and include convictions of first-degree theft, unauthorized use of a vehicle, resisting arrest, first-degree possession of a controlled substance and supplying contraband.
Raven is being held on $272,500 bail at the Multnomah County Inverness Jail. He also is being held on a no-bail hold for a different case in which he failed to appear in Multnomah County court on two charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants, driving with a suspended/revoked license, attempt to elude on foot, first-degree criminal mischief and two counts of reckless endangerment.
His trial is scheduled to begin July 25.