A special detail involving multiple Oregon agencies focused on Portland area street racing and takeovers netted dozens of citations and multiple arrests of criminal suspects and towed vehicles this weekend.
Officials say the mission was run during the evening of Friday, May 5, by Portland Police Bureau. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted, as did members of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. PPB Air Support Unit, K9, former Traffic Division officers, and detectives also participated, which resulted in adequate resources to address organized street racing/takeover events on Swan Island and North Marine Drive west of I-5.
Many of the participants in the street racing event were seen leaving the area and attempting to elude police officers due to the noticeable police presence. One arrested person was armed with a gun and is now facing a weapons charge.
Preliminary statistics (does NOT included OSP activity):
Arrests – 5
Citations – 33
Vehicles towed – 6
Eludes – 5
DUII – 1 arrest (after obtaining a warrant for a blood draw)
Car tires spiked – 1
Arrested (4 available at this time):
Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering Another Person (2 counts), Unlawful Street Takeover (City Code misdemeanor) and Speed Racing (ORS 811.125 Class A traffic violation)
Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (concealed), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Public (City Code misdemeanor), Violation of a Restraining Order.
Criminally cited for DUII (controlled substances), traffic violation citations for Following too Closely (811.485), Obstructing Rail Crossing (811.475), Speeding (811.111).
Attempt to Elude Police by Vehicle (C felony), Reckless Driving.
Police say future missions are being planned throughout the summer as resources allow. These missions typically will not be preannounced, so participants are warned that they are risking arrest, towed vehicles, and traffic tickets if they take part in illegal street racing or takeovers. The goal of these missions is to deter people from engaging in these illegal and dangerous activities that are often related to crashes, shootings, and other criminal activity.
The Portland Police Bureau will continue its efforts in educating community members about the dangers of speed racing. This education will be conducted on our social media platforms and through one-on-one conversations with participants. Enforcement action will also continue against individuals who are suspected of committing these types of crimes.
Irresponsible driving practices can have a deadly outcome. There have been 16 traffic-related fatalities within the City of Portland this year, at least one of which was speed racing related. Every year, Portland Police officers respond to preventable collisions. These collisions can deeply impact those involved, their families and loved ones.
Source: PPB
