PPB Disrupts Spontaneous Illegal Street Takeover

On Saturday night, May 9, 2026, Portland Police officers disrupted a large spontaneous illegal street racing gathering in North Portland, ultimately arresting one driver after a dangerous attempt to flee from officers.

At approximately 11:40 p.m., officers disrupted a group of approximately 100 street racers near Northeast 158th Avenue and Northeast Airport Way. A short time later, a group gathered at Northeast MLK Boulevard and Northeast Columbia Boulevard, but by the time officers arrived, the group had moved to a parking lot in the 14300 block of North Columbia Boulevard where North Precinct officers, Traffic Division members, and Air Support Unit (ASU) officers coordinated a response to address the dangerous activity.

During the operation, officers established probable cause for Unlawful Street Takeover involving a red Corvette. As officers attempted to make contact, the driver fled at a high rate of speed, reaching speeds near 100 mph before escaping into Washington State.

View full size image of seized bmw on bed of tow truck

A short time later, officers again observed street racing activity in the same area and identified another involved vehicle, a BMW. The driver fled from officers before abandoning the vehicle on Hayden Island and attempting to escape on foot. With assistance from ASU, officers located and arrested the suspect hiding in a parking lot.

The driver, identified as 29-year-old Spencer Rhoden, was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on the following charges: Attempt to Elude by Vehicle, Attempt to Elude on Foot, and Reckless Driving. The BMW was towed as evidence.

This spontaneous street racing activity ended following the enforcement action, and no injuries were reported.

PPB continues to prioritize enforcement against illegal street racing and takeover activity, which pose significant risks to participants, bystanders, and the community.

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