June 20, 2025

Teen rams stolen Kia Soul into parked cars, prompting lockdown at nearby N. Portland middle school

Police took a 17-year-old into custody Tuesday morning after he allegedly rammed a stolen Kia Soul into parked cars near George Middle School in North Portland.

Officials locked down the school during the incident, Portland Police Bureau spokesperson Terri Strauss said in an email. Police did not publicly identify the suspect because he is a minor.

Police received a report around 9 a.m. that someone was ramming a black Kia Soul into parked cars in the 10000 Block of North Burr Avenue, according to Strauss and emergency dispatch records.

The teenager drove away after the school went into lockdown, but he soon returned and rammed more parked cars, police said.

The teenager then drove away from the scene, hitting two more parked cars before he crashed at North Hendricks Street and Charleston Avenue, Strauss said.

He attempted to flee on foot but officers caught him, taking him into custody at about 9:40 a.m., Strauss said.

Strauss said that the teenager faces likely charges of hit-and-run, reckless endangerment, first-degree criminal mischief and unauthorized use of a vehicle.

Authorities lifted the school’s lockdown after the teenager’s arrest.

— Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at ttodd@oregonian.com or 503-221-4313.

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