On the evening of Sunday, August 24, 2025, officers assigned to the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct responded to a large-scale illegal street racing event that unfolded across several locations throughout the city.
Initial reports indicated a group of approximately 50 to 60 vehicles had congregated near the intersection of North Lombard Street and North Chautauqua Boulevard. Participants were reportedly obstructing traffic and engaging in reckless driving behavior. When police arrived, the crowd dispersed and relocated to the area of North Marine Drive and Portland Road. As resources were mobilized, officers from the Traffic Division began conducting traffic stops. This prompted the group to move again, this time to the Lloyd Center area.
Officers were already monitoring the Lloyd Center area when participants began to arrive. Significant additional resources were diverted to the scene. During efforts to disrupt the illegal gathering and unsafe driving, members of the crowd became hostile, throwing lit mortar-style fireworks from the top of a nearby parking structure at officers' patrol vehicles. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Officers began taking enforcement action, including traffic stops, citations, arrests, and vehicle tows. As it became clear that proactive enforcement was underway, the crowd began to disperse again. Resources from additional precincts were requested and responded to the area, resulting in dozens of calls for service having to hold.
Later in the evening, a smaller group reconvened near the intersection of North Marine Drive and North Force Avenue. Officers located approximately 20 to 30 vehicles and an estimated 100 spectators on foot. Individuals associated with the event were contacted and advised that vehicles obstructing the roadway would be towed. The group ultimately vacated the area.
Throughout the entirety of the night, several vehicles attempted to elude officers, and multiple criminal offenses were reported. While the exact numbers are still being confirmed, preliminary estimates include:
- 10 citations issued
- 15 traffic stops conducted
- 10 vehicles towed
- 4 arrests
- 2 illegal firearms seized
The coordinated efforts by PPB personnel across multiple precincts led to significant disruption of the illegal activity and prevention of further public safety hazards. This was the second time in as many nights that PPB addressed illegal street racing. For more on enforcement Saturday night, click here.
PPB remains committed to ensuring the safety of our roadways and will continue to proactively address illegal street racing activity.
Source: Portland Police