‘These events are dangerous’: Portland Police warn of potential weekend street racing, takeover

PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Portland Police held a press conference Thursday afternoon in anticipation of a street racing/takeover event expected to draw crowds throughout the region this weekend.

According to PPB Lt. Chadd Stensgaard, the event, known as the West Coast Invitational, was held in Portland last year and drew over 1,000 people from Oregon, Washington, California and Idaho.

That particular event resulted in one homicide, two shootings, a fatal crash and disruption to emergency services, according to police.

“These events are dangerous,” stressed Stensgaard. “These are young, inexperienced drivers that come with very high-powered cars. They bring guns to these events.”

Stensgaard added they found out this event was happening 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.”

The exact location of the upcoming event is not known but Stensgaard said popular places for similar street takeovers in the past have included Marine Drive, 122nd Avenue, 158th Avenue, Airport Way and I-5.

Officials added if you are involved in an event like this or are even thinking about going, don’t. They said if you see one happening as a bystander, leave the area and call 911 if you are in danger.

“We’ve seen that these events can lead to traffic deaths, gunfire, so on,” PPB spokesperson Mike Benner said. “Because of that, the police bureau cannot and will not stand by idly as out-of-towners and even those in our own community use our streets as a playground for criminal behavior.”

“We’re committed 100% to making sure all of us can experience the city in a safe, equitable way,” said PPB Chief Bob Day.

Police say events like these are growing across the country, with Portland seeing an increase in illegal street takeovers in the last two years . Because of that, they’ll be using as many of their resources as they can, including law enforcement partners from Gresham and Vancouver Police.

“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.”

Assistant Chief Erica Nilsen with Vancouver Police also disclosed their officers would be making arrests, towing, citing and seizing cars throughout the weekend. Additionally, Washington State Police will be assisting in the mission on the Interstate 5 corridor.

Overall, police say anyone involved in the event – whether you use your vehicle to block the road or even do burnouts – could be subject to criminal penalties.

Watch Portland police’s entire press conference in the video player above.

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