Portland police disrupted a large-scale illegal street racing event Sunday night, August 24, 2025, after hundreds of participants gathered across multiple city locations, obstructing traffic and engaging in reckless driving.
Officers from the Portland Police Bureau’s North Precinct initially responded to reports of about 50 to 60 vehicles gathered near North Lombard Street and North Chautauqua Boulevard. When police arrived, the crowd dispersed and regrouped at North Marine Drive and Portland Road. As Traffic Division officers began making traffic stops, participants relocated again—this time to the Lloyd Center area.
Officers already monitoring the Lloyd Center responded with additional resources. As police attempted to disrupt the illegal activity, members of the crowd became hostile. Lit mortar-style fireworks were thrown from a nearby parking structure, targeting patrol vehicles. No injuries were reported.
Police launched enforcement actions, including stops, citations, arrests, and vehicle tows. As enforcement increased, the crowd dispersed once more. Officers from multiple precincts were called in, leading to dozens of pending calls for service as resources were redirected to the racing incident.
Later that night, a smaller group regrouped at North Marine Drive and North Force Avenue, where police found approximately 20 to 30 vehicles and about 100 spectators on foot. Officers advised the group that any vehicles obstructing traffic would be towed, prompting them to leave the area.
Over the course of the evening, several drivers attempted to evade officers. Multiple criminal offenses were reported, and preliminary enforcement totals included:
• 10 citations issued
• 15 traffic stops conducted
• 10 vehicles towed
• 4 arrests made
• 2 illegal firearms seized
This marks the second consecutive night that Portland police have responded to illegal street racing activity. The coordinated response from multiple precincts was credited with significantly disrupting the event and preventing further public safety hazards.
