Road rage caught on camera: Beaverton Police arrest driver suspected of running motorcyclist off Highway 26
(Update: Suspected driver arrested)
By Anthony Macuk (KGW)
BEAVERTON, Ore. (KGW) — Beaverton police have arrested the suspected driver of a minivan that sideswiped a motorcyclist on Highway 26 on Monday morning in what appeared to be a deliberate act of road rage. The motorcycle rider was launched more than 200 feet and seriously injured. The driver continued on the freeway, making the incident a hit-and-run.
Samir Helio Pazzoto-Filho has been charged with one count of second-degree assault, one count of unlawful use of a weapon — specifically, a motor vehicle — and one count of failure to perform the duties of a driver to injured persons, according to documents filed Tuesday in Washington County Circuit Court. A news release from the Beaverton Police Department also listed charges of attempted assault and reckless driving.
The incident was captured in a dashcam video. The blue Kia Carnival is traveling in the left lane when the motorcyclist pulls up beside it in the center lane and appears to yell at the Kia driver. The Kia then abruptly lurches to the right, crossing all the way over to the right lane and pushing the motorcyclist off the right side of the freeway.
Pazzoto-Filho was arrested Monday evening and booked in Washington County jail. His booking record lists his age as 41. In a news release, the Beaverton Police Department said a community member provided a tip that led officers to Pazzoto-Filho's home, and when they arrived they saw him driving a blue Kia Carnival that matched the video.
Credit: Beaverton Police Department
Photo of damage on the right side of the Kia Carnival that police say was involved in a road rage incident that ran a motorcyclist off Highway 26.
Police said the Monday incident apparently stemmed from "a road rage-style interaction between Pazzoto-Filho and the motorcycle rider." They added that based on conversations with "numerous" community members, investigators believe Pazzoto-Filho was seen driving recklessly in the days prior to the incident.
Anyone with information or who witnessed his driving behavior in the Monday case or any other incidents is asked to contact Beaverton police at 503-526-2261. Police noted that the Kia has Florida license plates.
KGW spoke Monday evening with the family of the motorcyclist, a 21-year-old man named Correy. They said he was injured in the crash but avoided breaking any bones. Correy's sister said the Kia cut him off and slammed its brakes, which is what prompted Correy to ride up in the center lane and try to get the driver's attention. She said the driver made eye contact and then jerked the wheel.
Pazzoto-Filho is scheduled to be arraigned at 2 p.m. Tuesday.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated as more information becomes available
