Street Race Ends In 2-Car Crash, One Injury: Police

PORTLAND, OR — Vehicles belonging to two drivers were towed Sunday night from the scene of a crash that police believe was the result of an organized, illegal street racing event. At least one person sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Portland officers were dispatched to a reported "traffic crash during a street racing event" near North Marine Drive and North Leadbetter Road just after 10 p.m. May 6.

While still en route, officers were told one of the drivers involved in the crash was taken to hospital — with injuries — in a private vehicle.

Officers investigating the crash scene learned two drivers were likely racing westward on North Marine Drive at a high rate of speed when one of the drivers, for unknown reasons, steered into the other.

Police officials reportedly believe there were "numerous witnesses" to the whole incident, all of whom fled the area before officers arrived.

The driver who was taken to hospital has not yet been identified, and police have yet to announce any arrests or pending charges.

Both vehicles were reportedly towed from the scene.

Portland Police Bureau authorities remind drivers that street racing in the city is not only dangerous but also illegal; drivers caught participating in any race, or assisting by blocking other cars, are subject to arrest.

According to police officials, street races in Portland have resulted in several deaths since 2015:

December 4, 2015, 65-year-old Linda Johnston was killed when two motorcycle riders engaged in a race crashed into her car at Southeast 160th Avenue and Stark Street. Both riders were arrested and sentenced to prison.
January 23, 2016, 20-year-old Nick Alexandar Chernyavskiy died after crashing his motorcycle while racing another motorcycle rider on Northeast Airport Way near 145th Avenue.
March 6, 2016, 26-year-old Alexander Keppinger was critically injured in a crash on Northeast Glisan Street near 139th Avenue involving two drivers racing. Keppinger died a few weeks later.
April 21, 2017, 19-year-old Daniel Kharlamov died after a high-speed crash on Southeast Powell Boulevard near 37th Avenue.

"Drivers who seek to race their cars or motorcycles are encouraged to find a safer, legal alternative to blocking public roadways and putting themselves and others a risk of personal injury," Portland police spokesman Sgt. Pete Simpson said in a statement Monday. "Several opportunities exist at the Portland International Raceway for drivers interested in using the track. For more information, please visit PortlandRaceway.com."

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