Off-duty Washington County deputy killed in crash on way home from work

An off-duty deputy in Washington County, Richard Thompson, died in a car crash while riding his scooter home from work on Wednesday evening.

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – An off-duty deputy is dead after his scooter crashed into another vehicle Wednesday evening, according to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputy Richard “Rich” Thompson was seriously injured at the intersection of SW 201st Avenue and West Baseline Road while riding home from work around 5 p.m., WCSO said.

Officials who responded to the scene said deputies and community members tried to save his life, but he died moments later.

WCSO told KOIN 6 News that Thompson joined the office in 2001 as a corrections deputy.      During his career, he worked as field training officer, as well as an adult in custody coordinator.

He also assisted in the work in lieu of jail program and had been assigned to the court security unit since last year. Rich was awarded the meritorious service ribbon for his work in 2018.

"He was an extraordinary deputy, father, spouse and teammate who lived an extraordinary life - with the family he loved extraordinarily," said Sheriff Caprice Massey.

Deputy Thompson taught archery to kids, was an avid fisherman, enjoyed camping, kayaking, paddle boarding and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

The cause of the crash remains unclear, but officials say the driver is cooperating with the investigation.