What started as a routine drive through South Beaverton turned into a surreal and terrifying scene, as a local driver allegedly threw his car into reverse and chased another vehicle for about a mile, sliding into oncoming lanes along the way.
The bizarre encounter was caught on both the front and rear dash cameras of the targeted driver, turning a nerve-racking road-rage run-in into clear video evidence.
According to KOIN, Beaverton police identified the suspect as 29-year-old Arman K. Hastings. Investigators say Hastings intentionally cut off the other driver, then shifted into reverse and continued backing up for more than a mile, at times crossing into lanes carrying oncoming traffic.
Officers later tracked down Hastings and arrested him without further incident, police told KOIN. A black airsoft handgun was found in his jacket pocket, and he was booked into the Washington County Jail.
Facing Reckless Driving And Menacing Counts
Hastings is now facing charges of reckless driving and menacing, KOIN reported. The accusations have not resulted in any convictions at this time.
Under Oregon law, reckless driving is a Class A misdemeanor that applies when a person operates a vehicle in a way that puts people or property at risk. Menacing involves intentionally placing another person in fear of imminent serious physical injury, as outlined by the Oregon Legislature and related criminal statutes.
In the wake of the incident, Beaverton police urged anyone caught in a road-rage situation to call 911 and steer toward a busy, public place instead of heading home. Officers also noted that dash cameras can be invaluable when tempers flare and a traffic spat escalates beyond rude gestures and sloppy lane changes.
