'Batmobile' driver cited, 11 arrested in PPB street takeover mission
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Among the events which occurred during the second night of a planned street takeover mission by Portland police, 11 participants were arrested after trying to flee in their vehicles, a suspect fired off a firework at officers and the driver of a "Batmobile" was cited.
According to PPB, hundreds were in attendance and some attempted to establish takeovers of at least 6 intersections throughout the city Saturday, from North Marine Drive to Southeast Milwaukie and Powell Boulevard.
Beginning just before 7 p.m., officers stopped a red Dodge Charger in the area of Southeast Cesar E. Chavez Boulevard and Southeast Washington Street, discovering the driver had multiple arrest warrants. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Saveel Sheikh, then fled from the traffic stop.
When officers caught up with Sheikh, he was arrested after 20 minutes of negotiations, police said. Sheikh was charged with attempting to elude police, reckless driving, recklessly endangering another person, and multiple arrest warrants related to DUII.
At around the same time, officers stopped a black Chevrolet “Batmobile” near the 2700 block of North Marine Drive, citing the driver for a traffic violation.
Just after midnight, participants attempted the first complete intersection takeover at Southeast 10th and Ash Street. One of the drivers involved was seen skidding in circles in a Crown Victoria. When officers followed the car, the driver tried to hide it in a busy parking lot nearby. But officers soon found it and arrested the driver, 19-year-old Lopaka Smith.
He was booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on various charges, including reckless driving, disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of a firearm.
At around 12:45 a.m., another complete intersection takeover was attempted at Northeast 82nd Avenue and Northeast Fremont Street. When police tried to stop one of the drivers caught spinning in the intersection, he fled the scene in his car. When officers used spike strips on his tires, he then fled on foot and hid in a residential yard until he was found and arrested. The driver, 25-year-old Victor Ferman Camacho was booked on charges of reckless driving, attempt to elude police, and others.
A couple hours later at the next intersection takeover at Northeast Martin Luther King Junior Boulevard and Northeast Columbia Boulevard, one involved driver was arrested. However, a teenager at the scene reportedly fired a mortar at officers. He attempted to run from police, but was also arrested.
Overall, the mission has resulted in 97 traffic stops, at least 18 arrests and at least 14 cars towed, according to PPB.
PPB and partner agencies say the will continue to run this mission through Sunday night.