Portland police officers arrested more than 20 people over the weekend in a bold attempt to crack down on illegal street takeovers and drag racing that have plagued the city.
During the high-octane mission, which even involved one suspect throwing fireworks at officers in a desperate escape, authorities cited numerous drivers, including the owner of a black Chevy “Batmobile.”
Beginning Friday night, officers flooded the streets looking for people illegally closing intersections so they could race their cars or perform stunts.
During their mission, two people were killed when a car that police had attempted to stop crashed into a power pole, killing the people inside the vehicle.
Portland police officers arrested more than 20 people over the weekend in a bold attempt to crack down on illegal street takeovers and drag racing that have plagued the city.
During the high-octane mission, authorities cited numerous drivers, including the owner of a black Chevy “Batmobile.”
Throughout the rest of the night, police broke up several street blockades and confiscated a stolen vehicle.
On Saturday, officers had to deal with at least six attempts by illegal brokers to take over intersections.
Police successfully dismantled each street occupation, dissolving the first one in less than fifteen minutes.
As the night progressed, officers arrested eleven people, including a 19-year-old driver, on several serious charges, including 100 counts of recklessly endangering another person and unlawful possession of a firearm.
At another point, Portland police stopped a Batmobile around 2700 North Marine Drive, where the driver was cited for a traffic violation.
Another driver who was making a reckless turn at an intersection attempted to flee on foot after officers used spike strips to puncture his tires.
Beginning Friday night, officers flooded the streets looking for people illegally closing intersections so they could race their cars or perform stunts.
An abandoned Ford Mustang was recovered by authorities
With the help of a K9 unit, authorities were able to catch the individual in someone’s yard.
Police broke up another street standoff at the intersection of NE Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Columbia Boulevard, where a teenager, hoping to escape, threw fireworks at authorities.
The officers were still able to arrest them.
On Sunday, things moved more slowly, with police thwarting two attempted street takeovers in different locations in Southeast Portland.
At the first location, the intersection of Southeast 2nd Avenue and Morrison Street, officers arrested a 17-year-old driver and towed his 1998 Ford Mustang.
By the time the operation concluded Sunday night, Portland authorities had conducted more than 140 traffic stops and towed more than 20 vehicles.
By the time the operation concluded Sunday night, Portland authorities had conducted more than 140 traffic stops and towed more than 20 vehicles.
On Saturday, officers had to deal with at least six attempts by illegal brokers to take over intersections.
The Portland Police Bureau received assistance from other law enforcement agencies, including Vancouver Police and Oregon State Police, in its mission.
Local residents explained that, unfortunately, this type of reckless driving is nothing new.
“Over the years we’ve been here, we’ve adapted to it,” said Synaca Hall, who lives in the area. Currency.
“There needs to be some change, because it is a nuisance,” he added.
In an interview with KGW8Hall expressed his approval of the police mission.
“I feel like they’re on track to do what they’re supposed to do in terms of cracking down on these acquisitions.”
Earlier this week, police learned through social media that 500 to 1,000 people would be coming to Portland for the West Coast Invitational, a planned street takeover.
Last year, the same event resulted in one homicide, two shootings and one fatal car accident.
On Sunday, things moved more slowly, with police thwarting two attempted street takeovers in different locations in Southeast Portland.
Their advance notice allowed the Portland Police Bureau to prepare for the situation and warn the public about it.
On Thursday, PPB Lt. Chadd Stensgaard sounded the alarm to locals at a news conference.
“These developments are dangerous,” warned Lieutenant Stensgaard.
“These are young, inexperienced drivers who come with high-powered cars and carry weapons to these events.”
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