VIDEO: Police track black Camaro speed racing, doing donuts in street takeover event
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Authorities have released new video footage of a speeding black Camaro on the final night of the street racing and takeover events that swept through parts of Portland for three nights in early August.
The aerial footage shows the car speed racing in the area of SE 82nd Avenue and Fremont Street just before 1 a.m. — doing donuts in several intersections and attempting to flee police before getting arrested.
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The Portland Police Bureau and partner agencies ran their street takeover mission from Friday, Aug. 2 through Sunday, Aug. 4. Each night resulted in several arrests as takeovers tried to ambush areas like NE 102nd and Glisan, Troutdale and Clackamas County.
Over the course of Friday and Saturday nights, the police street racing mission resulted in 97 traffic stops, at least 18 arrests and at least 14 cars towed, according to PPB. The third night’s events were quieter, but police say they still issued 23 citations, towed 7 vehicles and made 4 arrests.
In preparation, law enforcement held a press conference on Thursday, Aug. 1 to alert the public about their plans to intercept the drivers — many of whom came from out of state.
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Lt. Chadd Stensgaard said PPB found out the event would take place via social media, and noted most of the participants are simply seeking to build a following.
“It’s to increase their influencer status,” he said. “To get sponsors on social media platforms and to make money.”
Police say events like these are growing across the country, with Portland seeing an increase in illegal street takeovers in the last two years. In 2023, an event known as the West Coast Invitational drew over 1,000 people from Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho.
“When Portland is impacted, we are all impacted,” said Chief Travis Gullberg with Gresham Police. “We remain committed to ensuring that not only Portland is safe, but Gresham is safe and the surrounding communities are safe as well.”
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