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.
Source: Portland Police