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Armed suspect hit person with car, fled and hid inside shed in NE Portland

An armed hit-and-run suspect was arrested after hitting a person with a stolen car, fleeing from police and barricading himself inside a shed in Northeast Portland early Tuesday morning.

PORTLAND, Ore — An armed hit-and-run suspect was arrested after hitting a person with a stolen car, fleeing from police and barricading himself inside a shed in Northeast Portland early Tuesday morning.

Officers found a gun near where the suspect, 27-year-old Donnie Pradith, was hiding. Police also found 300 Xanax pills and $800 inside the car he was driving, which police say was stolen. The gun, drugs and cash were all seized as evidence.

Police said they believe Pradith disposed of the firearm while police were searching for him.

Donnie Pradith (photo: Portland Police Bureau)

Pradith is being held at the Multnomah County Jail on multiple charges, including:

  • Unlawful use of a motor vehicle
  • Attempt to elude by motor vehicle
  • Attempt to elude on foot
  • Failure to perform the duties of a driver causing injury
  • Felon in possession of a firearm
  • Possession of a loaded firearm
  • Second-degree burglary
  • Unlawful possession of a firearm

Investigators say they expect more charges will be filed related to the drug investigation.

At about 2:48 a.m. Tuesday, police attempted to make a traffic stop of the car driven by Pradith. The car didn't stop. Pradith then crashed the car into a group of trees at the intersection of Northeast Sandy Boulevard and Cesar Chavez Boulevard and Broadway.

When Pradith crashed the car into the group of trees, he hit a person who was sleeping on the ground in that location. That person's condition was not available but police said the person is expected to survive.

A woman in the car remained at the scene while Pradith exited the car and ran. A neighbor later told police a man had run into a shed in his yard.

Tactical police were dispatched to the 1600 block of Northeast 40th Avenue, where they found the shed the suspect was hiding in and took Pradith into custody.

During the search and arrest, Northeast 40th Avenue and 41st Avenue were closed between Halsey Street and Broadway, and residents within a two-block area of the incident were asked shelter in place.

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