Three Vancouver drivers among those arrested in special detail

A special detail involving multiple agencies focused on street racing and takeovers netted dozens of citations and multiple arrests of criminal suspects and towed vehicles last night.

The mission was run Friday evening (May 5) Portland Police Bureau (PPB) North Precinct. Oregon State Police (OSP) assisted, as did members of the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office. PPB Air Support Unit, K9, former Traffic Division officers, and detectives also participated, which resulted in adequate resources to address organized street racing/takeover events on Swan Island and North Marine Drive west of I-5.

Many of the participants in the street racing event were seen leaving the area and attempting to elude police officers due to the noticeable police presence. One arrested person was armed with a gun and is now facing a weapons charge.

Preliminary statistics (does NOT included OSP activity):

• Arrests – 5

• Citations – 33

• Vehicles towed – 6

• Eludes – 5

• DUII – 1 arrest (after obtaining a warrant for a blood draw)

• Car tires spiked – 1

Additional statistics from OSP members will be added to this release once they have been provided.

Arrested (4 available at this time):

• Tyler Z. Roberts, 18, of Vancouver, Washington: Reckless Driving, Reckless Endangering Another Person (2 counts), Unlawful Street Takeover (City Code misdemeanor) and Speed Racing (ORS 811.125 Class A traffic violation)

• Jaylen L. Madison, 18, of Vancouver, Washington: Unlawful Possession of a Firearm (concealed), Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in Public (City Code misdemeanor), Violation of a Restraining Order.

• Kenneth N. Sevy, 22, of Salem, Oregon: criminally cited for DUII (controlled substances), traffic violation citations for Following too Closely (811.485), Obstructing Rail Crossing (811.475), Speeding (811.111).

• Austin M. Pool, 21, of Vancouver, Washington: Attempt to Elude Police by Vehicle (C felony), Reckless Driving.

Future missions are being planned throughout the summer as resources allow. These missions typically will not be preannounced, so participants are warned that they are risking arrest, towed vehicles, and traffic tickets if they take part in illegal street racing or takeovers. The goal of these missions is to deter people from engaging in these illegal and dangerous activities that are often related to crashes, shootings, and other criminal activity.

The Portland Police Bureau is grateful for the assistance of Oregon State Police and look forward to future collaboration with them and our other law enforcement partners.

In addition to state statutes, Portland City Code addresses this dangerous activity.

1. Unlawful street takeover event means an activity that is:

a. Unpermitted;

b. Preplanned or contemporaneously coordinated by two or more persons; and

c. Involves one or more persons demonstrating, exhibiting, or comparing the maneuverability or power of one or more motor vehicles in a curved direction, in a circular direction, or around corners, including but not limited to by breaking traction in a curved or circular direction or around corners

2. A person commits the offense of an Unlawful Street Takeover if, in a public place or upon a highway, the person knowingly operates a motor vehicle while engaged in an unlawful street takeover event

3. 1. Highway means the entire width of a public right-of-way when any portion thereof is intended for motor vehicle movement or motor vehicle access to abutting property.

3.2. Public place means an area, whether publicly or privately owned, generally open to the public and includes, without limitation, the grounds surrounding buildings or dwellings, streets, sidewalks, bridges, tunnels, alleys, plazas, parks, driveways, and parking lots.

See the full ordinance here: https://www.portland.gov/code/14/a30/080

PPB has previously released a video about this ordinance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrAt64cihw4

In addition, Chief Chuck Lovell spoke about the dangers of street racing and the importance of the city ordinance in a 2021 public service announcement. It can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=deRK7PraeEo

The Portland Police Bureau will continue its efforts in educating community members about the dangers of speed racing. This education will be conducted on our social media platforms and through one-on-one conversations with participants. Enforcement action will also continue against individuals who are suspected of committing these types of crimes.

Irresponsible driving practices can have a deadly outcome. There have been 16 traffic-related fatalities within the City of Portland this year, at least one of which was speed racing related. Every year, Portland Police officers respond to preventable collisions. These collisions can deeply impact those involved, their families and loved ones.

Information provided by Portland Police Bureau.