PORTLAND — Police identified the pedestrian who was killed in a fatal accident Monday night as 51-year-old David Westfall.

Westfall, who was homeless, was struck in front of Westgate Shopping Center around 9:45 p.m. Police said he was crossing outer Congress Street, near the intersection of Caleb Street.

Westfall was struck by an outbound 2004 Subaru driven by 50-year-old Julie Goff of Portland. Westfall was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police Chief James Craig said police had numerous contacts with Westfall that stemmed from his mental illness, alcohol intoxication and possibly drug use. In recent weeks, police responded to a call that he was lying in the street, he said.

Craig said Westfall’s death underscored the need for a change in law to allow involuntary treatment of people in crisis.

Craig said it was not clear whether Westfall was impaired when he was struck by the car.

Police are still investigating the cause of the accident. No one has been charged in the accident.


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