Executive Summary
- James P. Goldsmith, 52, was killed in a collision involving a semi-truck at a Portland intersection.
- Investigators confirmed that traffic signals were disabled because copper wire had been stolen from the control box.
- Portland police have not yet identified a suspect responsible for the wire theft.
- Reports from The Oregonian highlight a decline in theft prosecutions and challenges related to bail reform policies.
A 52-year-old motorcyclist was killed in a collision with a semi-truck at a Portland intersection where traffic signals had been rendered non-operational due to the theft of copper wiring, according to local law enforcement. The fatality occurred on December 11, raising concerns regarding the impact of infrastructure vandalism on public safety.
The victim, identified as James P. Goldsmith, died after colliding with the truck amidst traffic congestion caused by the disabled signal. Portland authorities stated that the drivers were unable to see each other as they navigated the uncontrolled intersection. Investigators determined that an individual had previously cut into the traffic control box and removed the copper wiring inside, directly causing the signal failure. Police have not yet identified a suspect in the theft.
This incident occurs against a backdrop of reported challenges in prosecuting property crimes in the region. An investigation conducted by The Oregonian indicated that misdemeanor theft cases in Multnomah County dropped by 60 percent between 2019 and 2023. The outlet reported that a 2022 bail reform law has contributed to the rapid release of defendants accused of low-level crimes, with data suggesting a significant rate of failure to appear in court among retail theft suspects.
Public Safety Impact
The fatal collision underscores the severe consequences of infrastructure tampering, where petty theft escalates into a direct threat to human life. The disabling of traffic control devices creates immediate hazards for motorists, shifting the focus from property loss to vehicular safety management. As the investigation into the copper theft continues, city officials are tasked with addressing the security of municipal utilities while managing broader enforcement strategies regarding property crime. It is important to note that all individuals, including any potential suspects identified in the future, are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
