GRESHAM, Ore. – A 70‑year‑old man was taken into custody on Monday after Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office deputies allege he shared fentanyl with a fellow rider, who later died of an overdose at the Ruby Junction MAX station near Northeast 197th Avenue and East Burnside Street.
Incident details
At approximately 2 p.m., Gresham police and emergency responders were dispatched to the station following a report of an unconscious individual. The victim, a 30‑year‑old Gresham resident, was found unresponsive and later pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of first‑responders.
TriMet Transit Police and sheriff’s deputies reviewed security camera footage. The video reportedly shows the suspect, identified as Victor Salas‑Camargo, preparing and smoking a substance later identified as fentanyl, then offering it to the 30‑year‑old man. Deputies say Salas‑Camargo can be seen helping the victim light the drug.
Alleged actions after the overdose
According to the investigation, moments after the victim inhaled the fentanyl, he slumped to the ground. The footage shows Salas‑Camargo kicking the man in the arm to check for a response before walking away without providing assistance.
Transit Police located Salas‑Camargo a short distance from the station and placed him under arrest. During the subsequent interview, investigators recovered a clear straw from the suspect’s jacket pocket, which tested positive for fentanyl.
Charges filed
Salas‑Camargo has been charged with second‑degree manslaughter and unlawful delivery of fentanyl. The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office emphasized that the charges reflect the seriousness of distributing a lethal controlled substance and the failure to render aid to a person in distress.
Community response
The incident has raised concerns among Gresham residents about safety on public transit and the ongoing opioid crisis affecting the region. Local officials have reiterated the importance of reporting suspicious activity and encouraging by‑standers to seek immediate medical help in overdose situations.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and are urging anyone with additional information or who may have witnessed the incident to contact the Gresham Police Department.
Original reporting: KPTV FOX 12 Portland (news) — read the source article.
