Man Who Shot Portland Traffic Cameras Sentenced to Two Years in Prison

PORTLAND, Ore. (Mar. 8, 2026) — A Portland man who admitted to shooting out red-light traffic cameras across the city has been sentenced to two years in prison and ordered to pay more than $55,000 in restitution, according to prosecutors.

Chase Payton Grijalua, 30, pleaded guilty March 4 in Multnomah County Circuit Court to unlawful use of a firearm with a firearm, two counts of unlawful use of a weapon and first-degree criminal mischief.

Andrew Lavin sentenced Grijalua to 24 months in prison and placed him on 60 months of formal probation. The sentence also includes 60 months of suspended prison time, meaning Grijalua could be ordered back to prison for up to five years if he violates the terms of his probation.

As part of the sentence, Grijalua must pay $55,548.20 in restitution for damage caused by the shootings.

Aileen Santoyo, a deputy district attorney with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office, prosecuted the case.

“Mr. Grijalva’s actions were extremely dangerous and caused a sense of alarm in the community,” Santoyo said after the sentencing. “Mr. Grijalva used a firearm multiple times within city limits and caused over $50,000 of property damage. This sentence provides Mr. Grijalva with upfront custody time and a period of probation while he is out in the community. During this period of supervision Mr. Grijalva will be required to obey all laws, not possess firearms and engage in services.”

The district attorney’s office thanked the Portland Police Bureau for its investigation.

According to authorities, the case began June 10, 2024, when a person flagged down a police officer near the intersection of Southeast 122nd Avenue and Southeast Stark Street in Portland, reporting that someone had just shot a traffic camera and fled the area.

Officers responding to the scene found five shell casings on the ground. Witnesses provided a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle, which officers later located, leading to Grijalua’s arrest.

After being advised of his rights under Miranda rights, Grijalua told officers he had been shooting traffic cameras for more than a week and estimated he had targeted seven cameras, investigators said.