Portland Police Make Arrests & Tow Cars To Stymie Illegal “Swing Into Easter” Street Race

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland Police successfully prevented an illegal street takeover on Saturday evening through pre-emptive measures that targeted violations before a planned illegal street race event advertised as “Swing into Easter” and “PDX is Everyone.”

The event, a planned illegal street racing/street takeover event scheduled for Saturday night, was expected to draw people from across the region.

However, after hearing about it, the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) gave notice that they would be conducting a special enforcement mission to address potentially dangerous behavior.

The police indicated that officers from several units with additional resources would be deployed to address criminal behavior.

Before the race, PPB reminded those planning to attend that street takeovers can result in jail time, fines, tows, and forfeited vehicles.

PPB mission units, assisted by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and the Vancouver and Gresham Police Departments, proactively sought out street takeover gatherings before conducting lawful traffic violation stops on drivers on the night.

During the PPB mission, 37 traffic stops were made. Six drivers attempted to elude, and there was one car chase. Most eluding drivers were caught and arrested, and their cars were towed. In addition:

• 7 people were arrested
• 32 traffic citations were issued
• 9 vehicles were towed (including one now in the criminal forfeiture process)
• 4 firearms were seized

PPB worked with the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office in the forfeiture case. Under criminal forfeiture legislation, owners of cars involved in certain circumstances could lose their cars permanently.

A vehicle used in a street racing-like activity qualifies for forfeiture under the new Reckless Driving law (811.140).

Criminal Reckless Driving charges were laid, and others, including:

• Reckless Endangerment of Another Person
• Attempting to Elude Police by Vehicle
• Driving While Suspended.
• Unlawful Possession of a Firearm
• Felon in Possession of a Firearm
• Possession of a Loaded Firearm in a Public Place (city code)

PPB said the statistics could change as additional reports come in.