Deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) have arrested a 62-year-old man who is accused of ramming his car into two patrol vehicles in an attempt to escape a traffic stop.
This investigation began around 7:20 a.m. on Thursday, December 25, 2025, when MCSO deputies saw a car parked near Northeast Prescott Drive and Northeast 136th Avenue in Portland. The car had a stolen license plate on it.
When deputies approached the car, they could see a person, later identified as Steven Thomas Fitzpatrick, sleeping inside. The vehicle identification number (VIN) was also covered.
Deputies positioned their vehicles around the car to box it in. They also placed a device near the tire to cause a controlled release of air in case the driver took off.
When deputies knocked on the window and announced their presence, Fitzpatrick woke up, moved to the driver’s seat, started the car, and began to rev the engine.
Fitzpatrick is accused of driving forward and in reverse, hitting the MCSO patrol vehicles that boxed him in – causing minor damage.
Eventually, Fitzpatrick exited the car. Deputies took him into custody without further incident.
Deputies booked Fitzpatrick into the Multnomah County Detention Center. He is charged with two counts of attempting to elude in a vehicle.
Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office