Time for restoring consequences and punishment for criminal acts. The Mike Schmidt approach of kindness to criminals seems to be killing innocents. RIP Brandon Coleman and James Brian Fenimore.
Firefighters extricated the driver, 39-year-old Vichea Pok, who was seriously injured after driving into a utility pole. Due to the extent of Pok’s injuries, Portland police did not arrest Pok and instead cited him for first-degree manslaughter, driving under the influence and reckless driving. Pok may face additional charges, police said.
Pok was previously convicted of driving under the influence in Multnomah County in 2012. His driver’s license was reinstated in May 2022, court records show.
Pok was arrested in July 2022 (Portland robber armed with kitchen knife arrested, police say - oregonlive.com) after he was accused of robbing a Plaid Pantry and an Astro Gas Station in Southeast Portland with a knife. A doctor evaluated Pok in August 2022 and diagnosed him with two psychiatric disorders, saying at the time he needed “hospital level of care.” Pok was admitted to the Oregon State Hospital in September and was estimated to stay there until Sept. 13, 2023. The robbery charges against him were dismissed, court records show.