Traffic Stop Turns Up Drugs, Weapons, And Cash In SE Portland

PORTLAND, OR — A traffic stop initiated by Portland officers who spotted a speeding driver early Friday turned into a more serious case when the speeding car's occupants were found to be driving under the influence and hauling weapons, cash, and drugs.

Khomphakanh Vondara, 50, and Micah Roy Rascoe, 34, were taken to Multnomah County Jail following their arrest. Vondara is charged with driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving; Rascoe is charged with felon in possession of a firearm, carrying a concealed weapon, possession of a loaded firearm, felon in possession of a restricted weapon, theft, and the possession and delivery of cocaine.

After observing the pair speeding around Southeast Powell Boulevard and Southeast 20th Avenue in a blue Lincoln Town Car just after 1:30 a.m. April 13, Portland Police Bureau Central Precinct officers pulled the car over.

Officers quickly determined the driver, Vondara, was under the influence. Additionally, another officer assisting with the traffic stop spotted a gun in the car.

Searching the men and the vehicle, officers reportedly found two loaded firearms, a knife, handcuffs, pepper spray, a baton, 7 grams of cocaine, and $1,000 in cash. All were seized as evidence, police said.

By Friday morning, Vondara had been released on his own recognizance. Rascoe, however, is being held on $52,000 bail.

Other than two robbery arrests in the late '90s, which resulted in one conviction and one dismissal, Rascoe has a relatively clean criminal record in Oregon.

Vondara has no arrest history in the state that Patch could find.

Anyone with additional information about either Vondara or Rascoe, or their activities, is encouraged to call the Portland Police Bureau non-emergency line at 503-823-3333.

Images via Portland Police Bureau