PORTLAND, Ore. (KATU) – A Portland man who filmed himself engaging in reckless driving stunts and posted the videos to social media has been sentenced after being found guilty of several misdemeanor charges.
Reckless Driving Caught on Camera
The driver, identified as 33-year-old Oscar Burell Jr., drew attention earlier this year when residents shared videos of his dangerous behavior with police. The clips, which circulated online, showed a man speeding, weaving through traffic, driving across parks, and even leaning out of the driver’s side window while the car was in motion.
Community members, alarmed by the risky conduct, tipped off authorities in March. From there, police launched an investigation that eventually connected Burell to the viral videos.
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Arrest and Charges
On April 18, officers responded to a hit-and-run crash on Southeast Hawthorne Boulevard. When the caller identified himself as Burell Jr., investigators recognized his name from the tips they had received. He was promptly arrested.
Burell was charged with 11 misdemeanor counts tied to reckless driving and related violations. After court proceedings, he was found guilty on three counts.
The Sentence
Burell’s punishment reflects the seriousness of his actions:
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90-day license suspension
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18 months of probation
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80 hours of community service
However, the court offered him an unusual option: his community service hours could be reduced if he creates a video urging others not to repeat his behavior behind the wheel.
Community Concerns
The case has highlighted how social media can fuel reckless stunts that endanger not only drivers but also pedestrians and other motorists. Local residents, whose tips helped police identify Burell, expressed relief at the outcome.
Authorities stressed that what may seem like entertainment online has real-world consequences. Reckless driving increases the risk of crashes, injuries, and fatalities—and in this case, it directly tied to a hit-and-run incident.
A Cautionary Example
Police and prosecutors hope Burell’s sentencing serves as a warning to others tempted to treat public roads as a stage for social media content. By potentially requiring him to make a video condemning his own actions, the court is aiming to turn his platform into a tool for prevention rather than promotion of dangerous driving.
As Burell begins his probation and community service, Portland officials are reminding drivers that safety on the road is non-negotiable—and that reckless behavior, whether caught on video or not, carries serious consequences.
