Four Pedestrians Struck and Injured by Drunk Driver in Old Town

Portland, Oregon | July 4, 2025

Four Pedestrians Injured by Suspected Drunk Driver in Portland’s Old Town

Late-night incident underscores hazards of holiday impaired driving

In the early morning hours of Independence Day, four women were injured after being struck by a suspected drunk driver in Portland’s Old Town Entertainment District. The incident occurred around 2:01 a.m. on Northwest Couch Street and Northwest 4th Avenue, shortly after police had responded to a fight involving over 100 individuals in the area.

As the crowd began dispersing, a 2018 Ford Mustang driven by 32-year-old Tyler William Miller of Portland ran a stop sign while traveling eastbound at approximately 20–25 miles per hour. Around 10 pedestrians were crossing the street at the time, and four adult female pedestrians were hit. Three officers who had been managing the earlier disturbance were nearly struck as well.

Victims Sustain Non-Life-Threatening Injuries

Emergency medical services responded promptly. Two of the injured women were transported by ambulance for treatment, while two others opted for private transportation to the hospital. Reported injuries included a broken arm, a concussion, and head lacerations requiring stitches, but none were considered life-threatening.

Driver Arrested on Multiple Charges

Police officers at the scene immediately intervened, ordering the driver to stop as he appeared to struggle with the vehicle's controls—briefly placing the car in reverse. Miller was taken into custody without further incident. A Portland Police Bureau Traffic Division officer confirmed that Miller was impaired by alcohol.

He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on a range of charges, including:

• Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII)
• Reckless Driving
• Assault in the Third Degree (2 counts)
• Recklessly Endangering Another Person (15 counts)

His vehicle was towed from the scene.

Legal and Public Safety Implications

This incident illustrates the serious legal consequences facing impaired drivers under Oregon law. In addition to criminal charges, victims of such incidents may have cause to pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Because the driver was allegedly under the influence, this case may also raise potential Oregon drunk driver accident injury liability.

Moreover, if any bar or establishment served alcohol to the driver in violation of Oregon’s dram shop laws, additional civil liability could follow.

For the victims, navigating the aftermath of such a traumatic event can be overwhelming. Oregon law provides avenues for injured pedestrians to seek justice and compensation through pedestrian accident injury claims.

Drunk Driving: A Persistent Holiday Threat

The Fourth of July is one of the most dangerous holidays for impaired driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2,653 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes during the July 4th holiday period from 2019 to 2023—40% of those fatalities involved drunk drivers.

Local law enforcement is participating in NHTSA’s “Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving” campaign, emphasizing that even a single drink can impair a driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely.

Recommendations for Safer Celebrations

Authorities urge the public to take proactive steps to ensure safety:

• Plan for a sober ride home before drinking
• Never drive impaired—even after just “a couple” of drinks
• Offer non-alcoholic options for designated drivers
• Intervene if someone intends to drive while intoxicated
• Report suspected impaired drivers to 911

Seeking Legal Guidance After an Injury

For those injured in similar accidents involving impaired drivers, understanding your rights is critical. The attorneys at Pacific Injury Law Firm specialize in representing victims of pedestrian accidents and drunk driving incidents. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact us online or call 971-277-3811 for a free consultation.

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Sources:

• Portland Police Bureau (opens in a new tab)