Driver accused in hit-and-run crash disappears before trial

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A judge issued an arrest warrant for a 21-year-old man who vanished shortly before his trial on charges from a fatal crash in Portland.

Abdulrahman Sameer Noorah was released from jail in September after his native Saudi Arabia posted his $100,000 bail. He was required to be under house arrest and GPS monitoring until his June 26 trial.

Sheriff’s Deputy Kari Kolberg said in court papers the GPS monitoring device failed on June 11 and Noorah can’t be found. The Willamette Week reported Tuesday that Kolberg warned last summer that bail should be denied because Noorah was a flight risk.

Police say Noorah was speeding in a Lexus on Aug. 19 when he struck and killed 15-year-old Fallon Smart as she tried to cross Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard.

Noorah faces charges of manslaughter, reckless driving and other crimes.