Driver of black, yellow Mustang wanted for hit-run at illegal street takeover event
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Police are searching for the driver involved in a hit-and-run during an illegal street takeover event in the Lloyd District on April 14. Even as the tire marks remain to this day in the area of the street where it happened, police say the key piece of evidence they need is finding the car.
Surveillance footage shows a black and yellow car spinning erratically in the intersection of North Multnomah Street and Williams Avenue around 2:51 a.m. Dozens of other cars can be seen in the video along with hundreds of people.
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Police describe the car as a mid-1990’s Ford Mustang coupe with a low-profile spoiler and custom chrome wheels. It may have dents or other damage to the rear quarter-panels, according to authorities.
In the surveillance footage, one driver got too close to the crowd and knocked a person to the ground. Others came to help but the driver continued, striking two other bystanders. Investigators said one of the victims needed CPR and believed to have sustained “life-threatening injuries.”
“Seeing what they’re doing and how dangerous it is — and how close people are getting to these vehicles — you know, it’s shocking,” said Sergeant Kevin Allen, PPB spokesperson. “We saw at least one of them get carried away like they were pretty seriously injured.”
It’s unclear if the three people hit went to the hospital as none reported the incident to PPB.
Meanwhile, the driver in the black and yellow car left the intersection, though police said they returned later on.
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“We’re hoping is that someone who was there will be able to provide us information about who these injured people were. We can get them on the record. That’s what we need in order to hold people accountable for this dangerous activity,” Allen said.
Recent law changes mean street racers could face up to a year in prison and/or a $6,000 fine if they’re caught. Last year, there were over 300 street takeovers in Portland.
“It is very, very dangerous and difficult for us to go into a large hostile crowd of people,” Allen said. “We know that if we do that sometimes people will scatter in all directions. And they’ll drive incredibly dangerously and running red lights and there’s a danger to the greater community.”
People who have more information, including any video and photo evidence, are encouraged to contact the police. Crime Stoppers of Oregon is also offering a reward up to $2,500 for information that leads to an arrest. Those who were injured during the street takeover are also encouraged to contact police.
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