Portland police say wire theft from traffic signal caused deadly motorcycle, semi collision
Portland police investigating a fatal collision between a motorcycle and a semi truck have determined that the incident, which occurred on December 11 at Northeast Airport Way and Interstate 205, was caused by a theft of copper wire from a traffic light box. The crash resulted in the death of 52-year-old James Goldsmith of Fairview, who was riding a Triumph Tiger motorcycle in the right lane. Prior to the collision, someone had tampered with the traffic lights at the intersection by cutting wires in a transfer box. This led to the lights malfunctioning and causing confusion for drivers, making it difficult for them to see each other. The incident has been identified as the 42nd traffic fatality in Portland in 2025, with eight involving motorcyclists. Authorities are urging anyone who witnesses suspicious activity near traffic control boxes in the area to report it to the Portland Police Bureau.
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