What happens to cars forfeited during street takeovers in Oregon?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — The Portland Police Bureau led a three-day, multi-agency mission to stop street takeover events around the city on April 12, 13 and 14, resulting in the criminal forfeiture of six vehicles allegedly involved in the dangerous and illegal car rallies.

The six vehicles seized during the weekend mission are now at risk of being auctioned off by the city. However, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Mike Benner told KOIN 6 News that the cases must go through the legal process before any forfeited cars hit the auction block.

“It’s important to note that before anything happens, the case has to be adjudicated,” Benner said. “If the driver is found to be at fault, the forfeited vehicle is not returned to the driver. If the driver owns the vehicle, it will go up for auction or be used for city purposes… If the driver leases the vehicle, it goes back to the bank.”

If a vehicle is sold at auction following a criminal forfeiture, those funds are put into the city’s asset forfeiture fund. PPB’s new tactic of seizing vehicles involved in street racing or takeover events was made possible by Oregon Senate Bill 615, which was passed into law in 2023.

Oregon Senate Bill 615 also gives the criminal justice system the ability to punish drivers involved in these events with a maximum of one year in prison, a $6,250 fine, or both. Repeat offenders within a five-year period face a maximum of five years in prison, a $125,000 fine, or both.

The weekend mission also resulted in 12 arrests, numerous citations and the towing of 33 vehicles. One firearm was seized during the busts. KOIN 6 requested the make and model of the vehicles seized for forfeiture over the weekend. However, Benner said that PPB was unable to provide the information on Tuesday.