A suspect has been arrested following an illegal street event in Portland that ended in a hit-and-run, authorities report. Late Thursday, near the intersection of Northeast Cully Boulevard and Northeast Prescott Street, Portland Police responded to a call concerning an outlawed street takeover. It was at this event, according to the Portland Police Bureau, that a woman was struck by a vehicle while engaging in stunts. The driver in question allegedly hit the victim while performing donuts, then left the scene. Details released indicated the area was flooded with some 40 street racers at the time of the incident.
The subsequent investigation pointed officers to social media, where they unearthed a video capturing the moment the woman was hit. As the case unfolded, the driver, 19-year-old Jeffery H. Baker, was identified. Days later, on Sunday, the police observed Baker driving recklessly through various precincts, culminating in another crash that resulted in injuries and a subsequent car chase. Finally apprehended, Baker now faces multiple charges, including assault, hit-and-run, and driving under the influence.
After Baker's arrest, he was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center. The charges are stacked against him, comprising two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, four counts of Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver, two counts of Attempt to Elude, plus charges for DUI, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangerment, and others. As Baker was seen crashing into another driver before fleeing on foot, the severity of his offenses has been duly noted by law enforcement.
The Portland Police Bureau underscored the disruptive and hazardous nature of illegal street takeovers in a statement. "PPB recognizes the danger and disruption illegal street takeover events bring to our neighborhoods, and we share the community's concern," noted the Bureau while promising continued efforts alongside community partners to ensure safer streets. The arrest of Baker marks a response to such community threats, aiming to deter would-be street racers from similar reckless actions that endanger lives and peace in the neighborhoods.
