PORTLAND, Ore. – A Multnomah County judge has acquitted a Portland man of most charges stemming from reckless driving incidents he posted on social media, convicting him on only three counts despite prosecutors calling his actions “egregious” and a continuing threat to public safety.
Verdict and Sentencing
On Tuesday, Judge Von Ter Stegge found Oscar Lee Burrell Jr., 33, guilty of two counts of reckless driving and one count of recklessly endangering another person. He was acquitted of eight other charges, including additional reckless driving counts, five counts of reckless endangerment, second-degree criminal mischief, and second-degree disorderly conduct.
Because the case was heard in a bench trial rather than by a jury, the verdict was solely determined by the judge.
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Burrell was sentenced to 18 months of bench probation, 80 hours of community service, and a 90-day driver’s license suspension. He will not serve any jail time but must attend a victim impact panel, complete a high-risk driver course, and undergo a mental health evaluation with treatment if recommended.
Reckless Driving Videos
The charges stemmed from two incidents in March 2025 that Burrell recorded and shared online.
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March 25, Peninsula Park: Burrell filmed himself driving on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard while sitting on the driver-side door and hanging out of the moving vehicle. He then swerved into oncoming traffic and drove along a pedestrian path into Peninsula Park. Once inside, he performed doughnuts in the grass near the pickleball courts and other areas. Witnesses, including children, were present in the park.
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March 28, Interstate 5: Just days later, Burrell again filmed himself while driving southbound on I-5. He passed other vehicles while sitting on the driver-side window, steering only with his knee.
Both stunts were posted to social media, where Burrell appeared to be seeking attention and engagement.
Prosecutors’ Reaction
The ruling drew sharp criticism from the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office. District Attorney Nathan Vasquez issued a strongly worded statement rejecting the judge’s interpretation of the evidence.
“I strongly disagree with Judge Von Ter Stegge’s evaluation of the facts in this case,” Vasquez said. “The evidence clearly showed that Mr. Burrell was engaged in wildly reckless behavior, including driving without his hands while hanging out of the driver-side window on Interstate 5. Additionally, he drove through Portland city parks, and the video shows at least one child present. The fact that charges tied to that incident were dismissed is bewildering.”
Deputy District Attorney Devin Franklin echoed those concerns, warning that Burrell remains a serious risk. “Mr. Burrell poses a grave danger to members of our community. His driving is egregious. It is scary. I believe that he will not stop. He is fueled by social media and posting for attention. His conduct is 100% criminal, and he will continue to do it for the ‘likes.’”
A Divided Outcome
While the guilty verdicts impose restrictions and accountability measures, critics argue that the punishment is too light given the risk Burrell posed to others. Videos presented in court clearly showed his disregard for traffic laws and public safety.
For now, Burrell will remain on probation and under monitoring, but the case highlights broader questions about how the justice system should respond to reckless driving fueled by social media — a phenomenon that law enforcement warns is increasingly endangering communities nationwide.
