UPDATE: Bike Accident Ruled Homicide

Kipp Crawford’s death, which sent shock waves through Portland, Oregon’s biking community in November, has been ruled a homicide, and the Portland Police Bureau, in cooperation with Crime Stoppers, announced February 18, 2010, that they are offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in the case, according to reports from BikePortland.org.

Crawford, 32, died November 4, 2009, after he was discovered lying in the road next to his bicycle near the University of Portland. According to reports after the incident, Carlos Tyrone McCall and Felisa Washington-Berry were arrested for drunk driving. Washington-Berry was also accused of reckless driving.

Police are now apparently seeking a third individual, described as a white male in his 20s. According to a Portland Police Bureau Crime Stoppers alert, witnesses at the scene both saw and heard an angry altercation between Crawford and the unknown suspect.

Witnesses told police they saw the suspect standing over Crawford as he lay in the street. Police now believe Crawford was killed during an assault and robbery.

Kipp Crawford was a beloved local musician and bike enthusiast. He was a drummer in the bands Celilo and Thanks Kipp.

If you witnessed this altercation, or you have any information regarding this case, please call Crime Stoppers at 503-823-HELP (4357), leave a tip online at www.crimestoppersoforegon.com, or text 823HELP plus your tip and send it to CRIMES (274697). Crime Stoppers is offering a cash reward of up to $1,000 for reported information that leads to an arrest. You may remain anonymous.

For further information, contact Det. Bryan Steed, Portland Police Bureau investigator, at 503-823-0395, or Brandi Gilbert, Crime Stoppers Coordinator, at 503-823-0830.

We hope that anyone who has information about this case will come forward as soon as possible. It’s not just about the money. It’s about getting justice for Kipp Crawford and bringing some peace of mind to the family. Please do the right thing and share whatever you might know, even if it seems insignificant. It could help the police find the person who left a young man to die alone on the cold pavement. Please do whatever you can to help.

And take a moment to remember Kipp.