PPB Responds to Numerous Illegal Street Takeover Events; Makes Arrests, Tows Vehicles

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, Portland Police Officers assigned to North Precinct responded to several reports of illegal street racing and street takeovers.

At approximately 11 p.m., Officers responded to the area of North Marine Drive and North Leadbetter Road on reports of more than 60 vehicles racing and reckless driving maneuvers, as well as setting off mortars, lasers and other fireworks.

North officers, along with members of the Traffic Division, responded and a plan was developed to address the dangerous behavior. As police moved into the scene, officers witnessed 150-200 vehicles fleeing eastbound. Officers made multiple stops and towed vehicles.

Shortly after, officers responded to calls in the area of North Lombard and North Chautauqua, regarding reckless driving behavior, noise, and firework usage. Participants were alerted of police presence prior to any action and fled.

The next takeover location was near Northeast First Avenue and Multnomah. Officers developed a plan and addressed the large number of people gathered around the intersection, blocking roadways, lighting off mortar fireworks, and reckless driving. Multiple drivers were stopped and vehicles were towed.

At approximately 1:51 a.m. in the area of Northeast 102^nd Avenue and Northeast Glisan Street, Officers again addressed an illegal street takeover event. They witnessed a driver performing donuts, endangering involving pedestrians as well as a passenger who was hanging out of the window of the involved vehicle. When officers attempted to stop the driver, he eluded them briefly. Officers arrested Jerome L. Washington, Jr., 22, of Seattle. He was charged with Unlawful Street Takeover, Eluding a Police Officer, Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering Another Person and Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants. His vehicle was also towed.

Following the last enforcement action, no additional street racing or street takeover activity was located. PPB remains committed to disrupting this dangerous behavior as resources allow.

###PPB###