‘Hit-and-runner’ crashes in Hazelwood

See why this suspect, found hiding in a trash bin, racked up numerous charges during the outer East Portland incident …

Police close in on a suspect who smashed a stolen car, then took off on a blocks-long run through back yards in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

Story and photos by David F. Ashton

What started as one of our all-too-frequent hit-and-run crashes on the morning of April 3 ended up with the driver in jail, facing four Felony charges and five Misdemeanor counts.

Portland Police Bureau (PPB) East Precinct officers were called to the area of East Burnside Street and 139th Avenue at 8:22 a.m. that Wednesday morning, after a driver reported being stuck by a hit-and-run vehicle.

This red Subaru Impreza, stolen overnight but not yet reported as such to police, was taken for a ride by a man and woman who smashed it into a Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Photo courtesy of Fox 12 Oregon

“A witness provided information about the whereabouts of the involved suspect vehicle – a red Subaru Impreza,” reported PPB Public Information Officer Sgt. Brad Yakots.

It didn’t take long for officers to come across the unoccupied and significantly-damaged stolen Subaru along SE 139th Avenue, between East Burnside and Stark Streets. An adult female was arrested nearby, and she was identified as the passenger of the smashed Subaru.

A Portland Police Canine team tracks the fleeing suspect.

“Officers established a perimeter; and a PPB Canine unit came to track down the suspect,” Yakots said.

The suspect hot-footed west, through back yards; then south, crossing SE Stark Street.

Not in, but behind, this apartment complex neighbors point out the path taken by the fleeing suspect.

While the keen nose of the police dog was tracking the suspect, a witness pointed out a gun in a holster lying behind the Candlewood Apartments at 13100 SE Stark Street; the firearm was seized by police.

This is the Glock 22 Gen4 semi-automatic pistol and holster that police believe was discarded by the escaping suspect. PPB provided image

The Canine team’s track ended in the back yard of a house in the 13300 block of SE Alder Street, due north of David Douglas High School’s campus. That’s when officers found the suspect “hiding in a recycle bin,” Yakots revealed. “David Douglas High School was briefly placed in lock-out status, as a precaution during the search,” he added.

22-year-old Chase Wayne Harbison was lodged into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) at 5:35 p.m. that evening – on one count each of Unauthorized Use of a Motor Vehicle, Theft in the First Degree, Hit and Run, Attempt to Elude (On Foot), and Possession of Methamphetamine.

Now facing multiple felony charges is the man in the trash bin, 22-year-old Chase Wayne Harbison. MCDC booking photo

At his arraignment in Multnomah County District Court, Harbison learned he’d face additional charges – including Theft 1, Failure to Perform the Duties of a Driver, and Interfering with a Peace Officer.

After the court appearance, Harbison was transferred to Inverness Jail in lieu of $32,500 combined bail for these charges, plus an additional $50,000 bail on two “County Hold” charges.

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