Portland driver speeds through rose parade in intense video

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【Summary】Dashcam footage captures a man driving recklessly through a crowded parade at the annual Rose Festival in Portland. The man, Sidney Mecham, faces numerous charges, including attempted assault and unlawful use of a weapon. The video shows Mecham nearly colliding with pedestrians, causing panic and chaos. He has a history of criminal offenses, including traffic violations and sex crimes. Mecham's previous attorney argued that he was disoriented and trying to navigate a difficult situation.

FutureCar Staff Oct 29, 2023 6:15 AM PT

Portland driver speeds through rose parade in intense video

Newly released dashcam footage has revealed a disturbing incident that took place during Portland's annual Rose Festival. The footage shows a man named Sidney Mecham driving his Chevy through a crowded parade, causing panic among the revelers who were forced to run for cover. Mecham managed to evade the police, but he has since been detained and is facing multiple charges.

According to his former defense attorney, Chris Howard, Mecham has been waiting for new counsel since August due to a shortage of public defenders in Oregon. The video footage was released during a court hearing in August, where Mecham's preventative detention was being discussed.

Mecham has been held in Inverness Jail in Northeast Portland since the incident on June 10. He is facing 38 charges, including felonies for attempted assault, unlawful use of a weapon, assault on a police officer, and attempting to elude law enforcement. The charges also include 17 counts of unlawful use of a weapon, each corresponding to a person who was nearly hit by Mecham's vehicle.

The video footage shows Mecham driving dangerously close to pedestrians, including small children, along the parade route. Prosecutors described the panic and chaos that ensued as people screamed and scattered to avoid being hit by Mecham's vehicle.

Mecham has pleaded not guilty to all charges and his previous attorney argued that he was disoriented and trying to navigate a difficult situation during the incident. It has also been revealed that Mecham was driving without insurance and with a suspended license.

In addition to the charges related to the parade incident, Mecham also faces traffic violations for other infractions captured on his dash cameras. His prior criminal history includes traffic violations and sex crimes dating back to 1996.

The video footage from inside Mecham's vehicle captures his aggressive and profane behavior as he drives through the parade route. Witnesses reported that they feared someone would be hit and saw children running for safety. Officer David Baer attempted to stop Mecham, but he accelerated instead. Mecham was eventually apprehended and arrested.