Crashing into East Portland house ends stolen car pursuit

Look at what happened when this fleeing suspect got lost in the Montavilla neighborhood, missed a turn, and smashed right into a house …

-1 Deputies from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office were on hand in outer East Portland where a fleeing stolen car from their county had crashed into a house.

By David F. Ashton

It’s not clear precisely where the pursuit began, but it’s doubtful the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) deputy who spotted the fancy black Lexus IS 250 driving without plates would have guessed that they’d end up in Montavilla, on the evening of June 4.

Just before 9:00 p.m. that evening, the deputy initiated a traffic stop, but the driver of the Lexus failed to pull over and raced away.

Up and over this East Portland lawn the Lexus flew – until it was stopped by the side of this house. CCSO image
Deputies pursued the vehicle into the City of Portland before terminating the pursuit due to the “reckless and dangerous driving” of the suspect, from concern for the safety of the public, said a CCSO spokesperson that evening.
Although not then actively pursuing the car, Portland Police Bureau officers helped the deputy locate the vehicle – near the dead-end corner of SE 85th Avenue and SE Market Street – after it had smashed into a house.

It appears as if both the house and the apparently-stolen car will need substantial repairs. CCSO image

Although the crash impact was severe enough embed the Lexus into the residence, as well as activate its airbags, the car’s two occupants struggled to make a getaway on foot. But were both apprehended by deputies.

Portland Fire & Rescue responded to the scene, and paramedic/firefighters evaluated the condition of the involved parties, and the structure.

The fleeing driver, 22-year-old Ramone Rodarte, is now in jail on multiple charges. CCSO image

Deputies arrested 22-year-old Ramone Rodarte, who booked into Clackamas County Jail on multiple charges, ranging from eluding officers, to reckless endangering, to unauthorized use of a vehicle.

The 22-year-old female passenger was released from the scene and was not charged with any crimes.
After appearing in court, Rodarte received two additional “Failure to Appear” on previous drug and theft charges. He remains in custody in lieu of $110,000 combined bail.

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