Illegal Street Race Lands 2 In Jail: Police

PORTLAND, OR — At an illegal street race near Northeast Marine Drive Sunday night Portland police arrested two people who allegedly tried to prevent officers from breaking up the event.

Jovani Ivan Villalobos, 21, and Audrey Louise Parrish, 23, were taken to Multnomah County Jail. Villalobos reportedly remains in custody as of this posting, held on a probation violation, but Parrish was released on her own recognizance.

Villalobos is charged with attempt to elude and reckless endangerment; Parrish is charged with reckless driving.

According to Portland police officials, North Precinct officers were dispatched at 10:45 p.m. June 10 to a reported street race involving upward of 50 people in the 5400-block of Northeast 148th Avenue.

When an officer arrived at the scene in his marked police cruiser and began approaching the crowd, Villalobos began driving his Ford Ranger pickup toward the officer.

Believing Villalobos intended to collide with his patrol car, the officer veered away and called for additional officers.

After passing the police car without incident, Villalobos fled the area with the officer in pursuit.

As more law enforcement arrived at the scene, other drivers reportedly involved in the race interfered with the officers' attempts to stop the now-fleeing throng.

One of the drivers, Parrish, reportedly interfered specifically with the pursuit of Villalobos.

Villalobos was eventually stopped by a Police Intervention Technique, or PIT maneuver. He was arrested without additional incident. Parrish was arrested shortly after.

Portland police officials released the following statement:

The Portland Police Bureau would like the community to know that street racing can be very dangerous and is also illegal. Drivers participating in racing or assisting by blocking traffic on the roadway can be arrested and charged with a variety of crimes.

The Bureau encourages drivers who seek to race their cars or motorcycles to find a safer, legal alternative to using roadways or parking lots and putting themselves and others at risk of personal injury. Several opportunities exist at the Portland International Raceway for drivers interested in using the track.

For more information, visit PortlandRaceway.com.

Images via Portland Police Bureau