Portland Cops Crash Street Takeovers, Tow Cars and Nab DUI Suspect

Portland police say a series of illegal street takeovers lit up intersections across the city on Sunday night, until officers showed up and shut them down. According to the bureau, participants were spinning donuts, blocking traffic and firing off mortar-style fireworks near packed sidewalks before patrol units moved in, arrested a driver and had several cars towed. Officers called the pop-up events a serious hazard for onlookers and drivers just trying to get through, and said they cleared out each gathering. The bureau added that once the enforcement push wrapped up, officers did not find any more takeover activity in the city that night.

PPB Says It Broke Up Takeovers

In a post from the Portland Police Bureau, officials said officers were dispatched Sunday night for reports of illegal street racing and takeover activity at several spots: Northeast 102nd Avenue and Glisan Street, North Marine Drive at North Leadbetter Road, Northeast First Avenue and Multnomah Street, and North Lombard Street and Chautauqua Boulevard.

Police reported that the Marine Drive gathering drew more than 60 vehicles, with drivers allegedly pulling off reckless stunts in the roadway. As officers moved toward the scene, they said they later watched an estimated 150 to 200 vehicles take off eastbound to get away from enforcement.

One driver was arrested after the Northeast 102nd and Glisan incident. Officers identified him as 22-year-old Jerome L. Washington Jr. of Seattle. According to police, he was booked on allegations that include unlawful street takeover, attempting to elude, reckless driving, reckless endangering another person and driving under the influence of intoxicants.

Multiple vehicles were towed as part of the operation, the bureau said, and officers reported that they did not encounter any more takeover events after they had cleared those locations, according to the bureau’s online statement.

Why Cars Were Towed

City leaders have recently broadened Portland police towing powers when it comes to vehicles used in street takeovers, and the bureau has been rolling out focused enforcement missions through the spring and into early summer. Chief Bob Day told reporters that “Street takeovers are incredibly dangerous and put participants, spectators and innocent community members at risk,” and he publicly thanked officers for moving in quickly to break up the gatherings.

The bureau has previously walked through how those enforcement efforts work, including when and how officers can impound cars involved in takeovers, in a detailed release on the City of Portland website.

Citywide Strain and Safety Concerns

This latest round of takeovers hit at a time when Portland police say they are already stretched thin by holiday crowds and a steady flow of calls for service. Officials have warned that ongoing staffing shortages can make it tougher to keep a constant presence in every trouble spot across the city.

Earlier this month, local coverage pointed out that the bureau was juggling multiple shootings, a downtown protest and reports of attempted takeovers over the Fourth of July weekend, highlighting how busy patrol officers have been. KPTV

Legal Notes

Portland’s Unlawful Street Takeover ordinance, listed as PCC 14A.30.080, makes it an offense to organize or take part in a preplanned takeover without a permit and lets authorities tow vehicles and impose other penalties. Even a first conviction can bring fines and potential jail time. The city rules sit on top of state traffic and criminal laws that cover speeding, reckless driving and eluding police, including ORS 811.127.

Depending on what officers say they saw on the street, those state statutes can significantly increase possible criminal charges. In some situations, prosecutors can also pursue forfeiture of vehicles tied to unlawful takeover activity, according to PCC 14A.30.080 and ORS 811.127.