Street takeover disrupts Portland neighborhood, police monitor event/Photos obtained by KATU
PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) — A street takeover at the intersection of 2nd and Morrison near City Liquidators on Sunday evening caused alarm among local residents and businesses. The Portland Police Bureau confirmed the event, noting that participants were “revving engines and spinning tires.”
“We treat these events as a crowd control event,” said a spokesperson for the Portland Police Bureau. “We need adequate resources to address them.”
Due to a lack of available officers, police were unable to fully intervene. The event began around 4 p.m., and police managed to shut it down by approximately 8 p.m. A few officers were dispatched to monitor the situation from a block away, with their lights on, which encouraged some participants to leave, though not all complied. Officers remained in the area until the event “fizzled out and people left.”
During the incident, employees at nearby businesses expressed nervousness about leaving for their cars. Officers ensured their safe departure from the area.
The Portland Police Bureau reminded the community that street takeovers can result in jail time, fines, and towed vehicles. Oregon Revised Statute 811.127 addresses individuals who facilitate or aid in speed racing or reckless driving on a highway, with the first offense being a misdemeanor and the second offense a felony if committed within five years of the first.
In addition to state statutes, Portland City Code addresses this dangerous activity. An unlawful street takeover event is defined as an unpermitted, preplanned, or coordinated activity involving the maneuverability or power of motor vehicles in a curved or circular direction.
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The Portland Police Bureau has updated its vehicle towing policy, authorizing towing for drivers operating vehicles without valid driving privileges, lack of insurance, and to address street takeovers.
The revised Directive 0630.60 allows towing for certain offenses, such as unlicensed drivers, suspended drivers, and lack of insurance, and provides guidance on responding to stolen vehicles reported at tow lots and abandoned vehicle towing.
While the policy allows for tows in circumstances where they were not permitted before, it does not require them in most cases. The policy encourages discretion in impounding vehicles under circumstances that may create undue hardship or risk to the occupants, such as the presence of young children, elderly, or disabled persons, and vehicles used as homes.
