PORTLAND, Ore. — A driver struck several demonstrators and sped away during Tuesday night protests in downtown Portland, police said.
Just after 1 a.m., the man drove into the crowd near Southwest 3rd Avenue and Alder Street, hitting at least three protesters before leaving the scene.
"I jump in the car and I'm gonna follow him and make sure he doesn't get away. Call the cops along the way. Make sure he wasn't going to get away," Joey, a protester said.
Joey followed in his own car and was able to catch up the driver of the car. Joey says he got out of his car, walked around the back side and then was hit by the car.
"He peeled out and clipped my car and almost pinning me between the back of my car and his car," Joey says he went to OHSU where he received 7 to 8 stitches in his hand.
"It's just a minor cut on my pinky. I have some bruising on my legs and some cuts on my arms. The main one was on my left palm."
Officers found three patients and Portland Fire & Rescue medics began treating them. Two were taken to nearby hospitals by ambulance as trauma entries, police said. The third was taken by personal vehicle for treatment.
Police don't believe any of the victims suffered life-threatening injuries.
The Portland Police Bureau Air Support Unit was able to find the suspect vehicle and provide location updates. Officers said the man was driving recklessly as the plane followed, hitting at least one other vehicle and a barrier.
The driver stopped and got out of the car near Southeast Clinton Street and 100th Avenue, where East Precinct officers arrested him.
The driver, 27-year-old Anthony Eaglehorse-Lassandro, was arrested for reckless driving, hash possession and three counts of felony hit and run.
"I was so much happier once I found that out. I found that out when I still in the hospital getting stitches. It was such a relief," Joey said.
Police said witnesses at the hit-and-run scene did not share information or video of the incident.