A tragic crash in Oregon has left one teenager dead and another seriously injured after a 19-year-old allegedly drove drunk and at extreme speeds before crashing into a pole. Prosecutors say the driver was drinking Four Loko while behind the wheel and had been driving recklessly for several minutes before the deadly impact.
Here is a quick summary of the case:
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Suspect | Oscar Regis, 19 (now 20) |
| Victim | Jackson Greenfell |
| Location | Hillsboro, Oregon |
| Date of Crash | February 9 |
| Speed at Impact | 76 mph in a 35 mph zone |
| Alleged Top Speed | Up to 99 mph |
| Charges | Manslaughter, assault, DUI, reckless endangerment |
| Court Status | Held without bond |
What Happened in Hillsboro
According to investigators, Oscar Regis was driving a Chevrolet Malibu on Tualatin Valley Highway near 185th Avenue in Washington County when the crash occurred around 8:42 p.m.
Police say Regis was:
- Driving up to 99 mph
- Splitting lanes and passing vehicles dangerously
- Drinking Four Loko while driving
- Threatening another motorist with a gun at a red light
Car data reportedly showed he was going 76 mph in a 35 mph zone just seconds before slamming into a large light pole.
A 911 caller had reported reckless driving about five minutes before the crash.
Teen Passenger Killed
Jackson Greenfell, who had met Regis earlier that evening, was sitting in the back seat. He suffered severe injuries, including what authorities described as a possible brain bleed. He was taken to a hospital but later died.
His mother, Tanya LaBarr-Green, spoke in court and said, “The loss of our child has left a permanent void in our lives that can never be filled.” She added that her son’s life was taken because of “deliberate and conscious choices.”
Another Teen Seriously Injured
A teenage girl sitting in the back seat next to Greenfell survived but suffered major injuries, including:
- A fractured cheekbone
- Multiple facial fractures
- A broken spine
- A concussion
She reportedly needed surgery and metal plates inserted into her face. Her mother told the court that her daughter’s injuries would be lifelong and that the trauma was “extraordinary.”
Suspect’s Actions After the Crash
Prosecutors say Regis did not suffer any injuries in the crash. He allegedly fled the scene on foot before being located by police. When officers found him, he was wearing a black-and-white letterman jacket with blood on the elbow.
A detective testified that Regis allegedly said, “What have I done?” He also reportedly mentioned that his father had warned him that something like this would happen if he continued his reckless behaviour.
Court records state that Regis showed signs of impairment, including glossy eyes, thick speech, and the smell of alcohol. He admitted to drinking Four Loko and Modelo beer.
Additional Troubling Details
One of the passengers in the front seat reportedly told police that the Malibu was his car. He said he knew he was too impaired to drive, so he let Regis take the wheel instead.
Prosecutors also revealed that just weeks earlier, Regis allegedly sideswiped another car while driving his stepmother’s Mini Cooper and fled the scene. No charges were filed in that incident.
Regis reportedly admitted to police that he used to associate with a group involved in stealing and crashing Kia vehicles and said it was “normal” for him to run from crashes.
Court Decision and Charges
Regis is now facing multiple charges, including:
- Manslaughter
- Assault
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Reckless endangerment
He has been ordered to remain in jail without bond. Oscar Garcia, the Washington County Circuit judge, denied his release, calling the crash “extremely, beyond reckless” and stating he had no confidence that release conditions would keep the community safe.
Regis is scheduled to return to court for a status hearing on March 6.
