'Known open drug use' spots lead to 13 arrests in Portland

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- The driver of a "powerful Dodge sedan" sped away from a Portland traffic stop only to crash behind a shopping mall off Northeast Cascades Parkway, smashing into a steel-and-concrete bollard.

This was the most visual result of a one-day coordinated operation between Portland police, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office, the FBI and the US Attorney's Office that led to 13 people being taken into custody facing scores of drug and gun charges on December 15.

The targeted drug possession and distribution effort in East Portland focused on "known open drug use locations," PPB said in a release. Authorities concentrated their focus on SE 122nd and Burnside. SE 148th and Burnside and the 82nd Avenue corridor.

By the end of the operation, 13 people were in custody facing 17 felonies and 15 misdemeanors. Two guns were seized along with 3.4 grams of meth and 147 grams of cocaine -- about one-third of a pound, police said.

As for the unnamed and unhurt driver of the Dodge, PPB said he tried to run across lanes on NE Airport Way but was quickly caught. A gun, money and cocaine was seized at that time, officials said.

At least one of the cases may become a federal case, authorities said, but provided no other details.