33 Citations, 1 DUII Arrest During Thursday Traffic Operation

PORTLAND, OR — During a traffic safety operation in Southwest Portland Thursday officers issued more than 30 citations to drivers and made one arrest for driving under the influence of intoxicants.

The Vision Zero traffic safety mission was conducted from 6 to 8 p.m. May 24 on Southwest Barbur Boulevard, between Southwest Caruthers Street and Southwest 64th Avenue, according to Portland police spokesman Sgt. Christopher Burley.

Portland Police Bureau officers focused on dangerous behaviors during the mission, Burley said, noting that the area where officers focused their efforts "includes heavily traveled bike lanes, bus stops and a crosswalk that was the location of a pedestrian fatality several years ago."

The officers involved were reportedly given carte blanche to stop drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians as the officers saw fit.

A total of 33 drivers were given citations during the two-hour operation, and 18 more were given warnings, Burley said.

One driver, 23-year-old Mary Elizabeth Armstrong, was arrested for DUII and reckless driving and lodged at Multnomah County Jail overnight. Armstrong's blood-alcohol content reportedly tested at .17 percent.

The legal BAC limit in Oregon .08 percent.

This mission was a continuation of the Bureau's Vision Zero traffic safety initiative to eliminate traffic fatalities in the city.

Burley said residents and commuters in Portland should expect similar operations in the future.

Images via Portland Police Bureau, Shutterstock