Portland Police Bureau
11/06/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/06/2024 06:16
Street Takeover Event Leads to Arrests, Vehicles Towed (Photo)
November 06, 2024 04:00
A street takeover event in North Portland has ended with arrests and vehicles towed.
On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at about 10:30 p.m., Portland Police officers from North Precinct, the Traffic Division, and other units including Unmanned Aircraft System (drone) operators, responded to a call of a group of people taking over the intersection of North Lombard Street and North Chautauqua Boulevard. Some drivers were drifting their vehicles in the intersection while others watched. There were reports of what sounded like gunshots, but officers determined that the noises were likely fireworks being ignited. There was no evidence of gunfire and no reports of injuries.
Officers responded and initiated police stops of the drivers involved in the dangerous and illegal activity, but some attempted to elude police. Officers deployed spike strips to deflate the tires of two eluding vehicles.
Two drivers were stopped, and 1 arrest was made. The driver, Oscar L. Leal-Mendoza, 19, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on charges of Unlawful Street Takeover (city code), and Reckless Driving.
The police response also scattered the takeover group, allowing the intersection to be reopened to public use.
Officers checking the area also stopped another driver speeding at nearly 100 miles per hour on North Marine Drive (photos). Nicole R. Bell, 18, was booked into MCDC on charges of Reckless Driving, Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, and Resisting Arrest.
Two vehicles were towed.
PPB wants to remind participants that street takeovers can result in jail time, fines, and towed vehicles.
ORS 811.127 addresses individuals who are facilitating or aiding another to engage in speed racing on a highway or reckless driving and individuals who obstruct or place a barricade on a highway or assist with placing an obstruction or barricade on a highway. The first offense is a misdemeanor while the second offense is a felony if committed within five years of the first offense.
In addition to that state statute and others, Portland City Code addresses this dangerous activity.
1. Unlawful street takeover event means an activity that is:
a. Unpermitted;
b. Preplanned or contemporaneously coordinated by two or more persons; and
c. Involves one or more persons demonstrating, exhibiting, or comparing the maneuverability or power of one or more motor vehicles in a curved direction, in a circular direction, or around corners, including but not limited to by breaking traction in a curved or circular direction or around corners.
2. A person commits the offense of an Unlawful Street Takeover if, in a public place or upon a highway, the person knowingly operates a motor vehicle while engaged in an unlawful street takeover event.
3.1. Highway means the entire width of a public right-of-way when any portion thereof is intended for motor vehicle movement or motor vehicle access to abutting property.
3.2. Public place means an area, whether publicly or privately owned, generally open to the public and includes, without limitation, the grounds surrounding buildings or dwellings, streets, sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, and parking lots.
See the full ordinance here: https://www.portland.gov/code/14/a30/080
The Portland Police Bureau has updated its vehicle towing policy and now authorizes towing for drivers operating vehicles without valid driving privileges and lack of insurance, and to address street takeovers.
The Bureau recently substantially revised Directive 0630.60, Vehicle Dispositions. Most significantly, the revised directive has the following changes:
1) The directive authorizes towing for certain offenses, such as unlicensed drivers, suspended drivers, and lack of insurance.
2) The directive authorizes towing for violating new Portland City Code, 14A.30.080, Unlawful Street Takeover and Unlawful Staging of a Street Takeover Event.
3) The directive provides new guidance on responding to stolen vehicles reported at tow lots, temporary holds for VIN inspections, and abandoned vehicle towing.
The most noteworthy change to revised Directive 0630.60 is the newly authorized towing for certain offenses such as driving uninsured, suspended, without a license, or in a street takeover pursuant to a new Portland City Code provision, 14A.30.080. This change brings the Bureau in line with both neighboring law enforcement agency common practice and state law authorization for towing. Additionally, the change was supported in public comments and among internal subject matter experts and stakeholders within the Bureau and will serve as an additional tool for the Bureau to increase traffic safety.
While the policy allows for tows in circumstances where they were not permitted before, the policy does not require them in most cases. The policy specifically encourages Police Bureau members to exercise discretion in impounding vehicles under circumstances that may create undue hardship or risk to the occupants. Such circumstances may include, but are not limited to: the presence of young children, elderly, or disabled persons; vehicles equipped for use by such persons; and vehicles used as homes.
Members of the public are encouraged, before driving on public roads, to verify that their driver's license is current and valid and that they have current proof of insurance.
PPB has previously released a video about this ordinance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrAt64cihw4
Photo descriptions:
Officers escort a suspect in handcuffs
Officer speaks to driver through open car door
Police motorcycle with lights flashing behind a black 4 door sedan
Police vehicle boxing in black sedan
Drone operator controls device using a video screen
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