Unlicensed Driver Flees From Police, Causes Brief TriMet Shutdown

BEAVERTON, OR — A Beaverton man on Wednesday forced a temporary MAX train shutdown while police chased him along the TriMet tracks east of Cedar Hills Crossing, by Highway 217.

Federico 'Fred' Alvarez, 25, was taken to Washington County Jail and charged with reckless driving and attempt to elude. He has since been released.

After reportedly spotting Alvarez driving recklessly on Highway 217, a Beaverton officer pulled him over near Southwest Roxbury Avenue and Southwest Walker Road. After he initially pulled over, Alvarez then tried to flee in his car.

The Beaverton officer tried to disable Alvarez's vehicle, but Alvarez was able to briefly get away.

About a block after the officer attempted an unsuccessful PIT maneuver, Alvarez drove himself into the center median on Southwest Walker Road. Disabling his own car, Alvarez fled the scene on foot, down the TriMet tracks running parallel to Highway 217, police said.

Using a K9 team, officers found Alvarez less than a mile south and took him into custody near Southwest 113th Avenue and Southwest Cabot Street.

When asked why he ran, Alvarez reportedly told officers he ran because he didn't have a valid driver's license.

Alvarez's criminal record in Oregon reveals three charges — two from 2012 (possession of marijuana and a driving infraction) and one from 2014 (driving while suspended).

TriMet trains were reportedly delayed while Alvarez ran along the MAX tracks, police said.

Image via Beaverton Police Department