Sparks flew — literally — in Portland, Oregon, this week as one driver refused to let protesters tell him where he could go.
The incident took place in North Portland at about 11:15 p.m. Tuesday, according to KATU-TV.
Protesters were trying to block a street using fences and anything else that could stop traffic.
The driver of the pickup truck was confronted by a protester who had put his motorcycle on the pavement to form an impromptu barrier.
This had no effect on the truck, which dragged the motorcycle along as it crashed through a fence.
TRENDING: Breaking: Facebook Deletes Trump Post for 1st Time in History
Journalist Hannah Ray Lambert was nearby and filmed the incident, which she posted on Twitter.
“Pickup sped through crowd and rammed through the fence, sparks flying,” she wrote.
Pickup sped through crowd and rammed through the fence, sparks flying. pic.twitter.com/0zumuvzNKC
— Hannah Ray Lambert (@TheHannahRay) August 5, 2020
tastes their own medicine” Portland rioters attempt to block pickup with a motorcycle, fed-up driver takes it for a spin under his truck https://t.co/80L8ReXSD2 via @BIZPACReview
— Arno (@_arhanden) August 6, 2020
The incident led to reports that the driver “stopped a block away, got out with a rifle, and ran into a house, prompting rumors among the crowd – now on edge – that the person would return,” according to Oregon Public Broadcasting.
KATU reported that police said the driver “spoke to officers and cooperated and was released without charges.”
That night, protesters tried to access the Portland Police Association office and threw objects at officers, eventually breaking into the building and setting a fire.
Has Portland gone beyond control?
The night was also marked by two separate incidents of shots being fired in the crowd of protesters.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler, who has largely supported the protests, changed his tune Thursday.
Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler says rioters should stop “attempting to commit murder,” because “you are creating the B-roll film that will be used in ads nationally to help Donald Trump during this campaign.”
You’ve got to be kidding me.https://t.co/8SKZhWBin5
— Vince Coglianese (@VinceCoglianese) August 7, 2020
“You are not demonstrating, you are attempting to commit murder,” Wheeler said, according to KATU.
Wheeler said the city anticipated more “attacks on public buildings.”
We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.
