Drunk Driver Arrested After Hitting Several Cars: Police

PORTLAND, OR — Police on Tuesday arrested a two-time DUII offender who was involved in a hit and run crash in Southeast Portland. No injuries were reported.

Dustin Scott Rowe, 36, was taken to Multnomah County Jail and charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants, reckless driving, and failure to perform the duties of a driver.

Portland Police Bureau East Precinct officers were initially dispatched to a reported hit and run near Southeast 82nd Avenue and Southeast Foster Road, in the Mt. Scott - Arleta area, around 5:45 p.m. April 24.

After allegedly crashing into several cars along Southeast 82nd Avenue, Rowe was detained by witnesses, police said.

Rowe was first convicted of driving under the influence after a Dec. 24, 2009, arrest in Multnomah County. He was also convicted on assault and strangulation charges in April 2017.

During his interview with recognizance release officers, Rowe said that prior to Tuesday he hadn't drank alcohol in more than one year and that he recently graduated from an alcohol recovery program.

"Drivers impaired by alcohol or drugs injure and kill thousands of people every year," PPB officials said in a statement. "People consuming alcohol or drugs are urged not to get behind the wheel and should have a sober driver or utilize taxis, rideshare companies or transit so everyone is safe on our streets."

For more information on the city's Vision Zero campaign to end traffic fatalities, visit the Portland Bureau of Transportation's Vision Zero website.

Image via Portland Police Bureau