Spectator’s car strafed by bullets at Portland street race

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — A spectator at a Northeast Portland street racing event who fled the scene when shots rang out in the early hours of Sunday became a victim when bullets pierced his car while he drove away.

The street racers took over the intersection of NE 57th Avenue and Sandy Boulevard late Saturday night, witnesses told KOIN 6 News. One witness said “40 or 50 kids were blocking the intersection” as the street racers took over and fireworks were launched.

Another witness, Greg, told KOIN 6 News everything was fine until people began shooting fireworks directly into the crowd.

Woman stabbed to death by man she knew in Vancouver

“Later on those people fired (fireworks) at this Herb Stomp building, landed on the roof and exploded,” Greg said.

There was yelling and shouting, followed by the sound of rapid gunfire on the video Greg recorded.

Portland police said they responded to the scene of the street takeover around 12:30 a.m. Sunday once the shots fired had been reported.

Officers found the spectator-driver with his car windows shattered by bullets. He told police he was shot at while driving away around NE Thompson and 56th.

Police confirmed they found shell casings on the ground and that the spectator’s vehicle had been shot. Greg the witness also said he found a shell casing at the scene.

The incident remains under investigation. There were no reported injuries.

There is a new Oregon law that allows police to seize the cars involved and auction them off. The law also increases penalties for drivers. But there is not a dedicated team of officers to cut down on this activity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.