Trending Topics

Ore. police disrupt street takeover, seize firearms and make arrests

Portland police and partner agencies seized firearms and issued over 30 citations during a coordinated street takeover enforcement mission

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland police disrupted a planned illegal street racing event over Easter weekend, resulting in multiple arrests, vehicle seizures and weapons confiscations, KGW8 reported.

The operation targeted an event promoted under names like “Swing into Easter” and “PDX is Everyone,” which was expected to attract large crowds. Officers launched a special enforcement mission on April 19 to locate gathering spots and intercept participants before any large-scale takeovers could occur.

“Street racing and street takeovers are dangerous and pose a safety risk to our community,” said Chief Bob Day. “This reckless behavior endangers not only participants but also innocent drivers who share the road.”

Throughout the night, officers conducted 37 traffic stops. Six drivers attempted to flee, leading to one pursuit. Most were eventually apprehended, arrested and had their vehicles towed.

The operation resulted in:

  • Seven arrests
  • 32 traffic citations
  • Nine vehicles towed
  • Four firearms seized

Charges for the suspects include reckless driving, attempting to elude police, unlawfully possessing firearms and driving while suspended, according to the report. One individual was also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

PPB credited the success of the mission to support from several partner agencies, including the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Department and Gresham Police Department.

Under Oregon law, vehicles involved in illegal street racing can be subject to criminal forfeiture, according to the report. Since implementation of the law, four cars have been permanently forfeited, three returned to lien holders and five remain in forfeiture proceedings.

Portland city code defines unlawful street takeovers as coordinated, unpermitted displays of vehicle maneuverability, such as drifting or spinning in circular patterns. PPB recently updated its towing policy to allow immediate towing for violations related to unlicensed or uninsured driving and street takeovers, according to the report.

Trending
Drone video shows Bernalillo County deputies confronting the armed children after at least 50 previous calls to the same home, the sheriff said
The Dodge Durangos, intended to blend in with traffic but still “clearly communicate enforcement once engaged,” are being rolled out in response to “video game-style” driving
Memorial Day has a specific purpose, and maintaining that purpose is important
NYPD
Members of Diablos de la 42, an offshoot of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang, used scooters and bottles to attack officers trying to stop a robbery, Mayor Eric Adams said

Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com