Photo: KATU
On Monday February 27, 2017, at 2:58 a.m., East Precinct officers in the 13100 block of Northeast Airport Way attempted to stop a driver in a silver 2005 Chevrolet Impala for traffic infractions. The driver failed to stop for police and led officers on a short traffic pursuit onto I-205 northbound, crossing into the State of Washington. Portland Police officers stopped pursuing the driver once the vehicle crossed into Washington.
A short time later, officers learned that Washington State Police troopers were in a traffic pursuit involving the same vehicle southbound on I-205 crossing back into Oregon.
The suspect exited the freeway onto Northeast Airport Way, avoiding spike strips officers placed on the freeway. The driver sped eastbound on Airport Way where officers were able to spin the vehicle out using a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) and attempted to box-in the driver using police vehicles. The suspect rammed a police car and attempted to drive away but was boxed-in moments later and was taken into custody after crashing into a second police car.
The suspect, 34-year-old Shannon Opperud, was booked into the Multnomah County Jail on charges of Possession of Methamphetamine, Attempted Assault in the Second Degree (two counts), and numerous traffic crimes. Opperud is also being held on a parole violation. Opperud may face additional charges in the State of Washington.