Police on Friday arrested a 33-year-old man who had recorded himself driving recklessly through parts of North and Northeast Portland.
The Police Bureau began an investigation into Oscar Burell Jr., late last month after they received tips from the public and the media about videos he posted on his Instagram handle, “keepingitlittlike06.”
Shortly before noon today, police responded to a report of a hit-and-run in the 3700 block of Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. Police spokesman Sgt. Kevin Allen said Burell called 911 and accused the other driver of hitting him while he was standing in the road.
An officer saw his name listed as the caller and typed his name into his computer, learning that Burell was the suspect they had been looking for, Allen said.
Burell didn’t report any injuries and police have not located the other driver.
In past videos he posted to Instagram, Burell could be seen hanging out his driver’s side window while driving on the freeway. In another video, he appeared to be driving into Peninsula Park and spinning out his rear tires.
His videos gained attention late last month on Reddit where hundreds of people commented, and some said they’d seen him out on the road. Another person shared dashcam video of Burell blocking traffic as he stood in the middle lane of the Vista Ridge Tunnel.
Police towed his blue 1994 GMC Sierra, the same truck seen in his videos. He was booked into Multnomah County custody and is accused of three counts of reckless driving, criminal mischief and reckless endangerment.
The Police Bureau’s traffic division is continuing its investigation into Burell’s driving. They’re asking anyone who has first-hand evidence like dashboard camera or videos to email crimetips@police.portlandoregon.gov and reference case No. 25-89041.
— Zaeem Shaikh covers the Portland Police Bureau and criminal justice issues for The Oregonian/OregonLive. Reach him at 503-221- 4323, zshaikh@oregonian.com or on X @zaeemshake.