A hit-and-run driver inadvertently put law enforcement on speed dial when they fled from a crash Friday — without realizing the victim’s phone had landed inside their car and was tracking the getaway vehicle, deputies say.
Washington County Sheriff’s deputies say a motorcyclist traveling on Southwest Farmington Road near 157th Place in the Beaverton area was struck by the driver of a dark-colored Scion XB hatchback about 7:35 p.m. Friday.
The driver sped from the scene without rendering aid to the motorcyclist, deputies say.
A family member of the motorcyclist looking for the cellphone sent out a ping, and realized it wasn’t at the crash scene, but just a mile away near Southwest 170th Avenue and Vincent Street.
It only took a bit of shoe-leather sleuthing for the relative to spot a damaged car of the same make and model belonging to the suspect in the area, per authorities.
Investigators believe the phone ricocheted into Julian Borjas-Diaz’s car during the collision. He was booked into the Washington County Jail on a single count of felony hit and run, investigators say.
The 27-year-old has since been released from custody. His arraignment is set for Sept. 25, according to a Washington County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson.
The rider was seriously injured, but her life was likely saved by her helmet, according to sheriff’s officials.
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