PORTLAND, Ore. — A Portland man who posted videos of himself engaging in dangerous driving stunts on social media was found guilty of only three of 11 charges this week, prompting criticism from prosecutors.
Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Katharine von Ter Stegge on Monday convicted 33-year-old Oscar Lee Burrell Jr. of three misdemeanor charges: two counts of reckless driving and one count of recklessly endangering another person. The verdict followed a bench trial, in which the judge, not a jury, determines the outcome.
The charges stem from a series of incidents in March 2025, in which Burrell filmed himself performing illegal stunts while driving through public parks and on Interstate 5. Videos posted to social media showed Burrell steering with his knee, hanging out of his car window, and driving through pedestrian areas and playgrounds.
Despite the video evidence, Judge von Ter Stegge found Burrell not guilty on eight other charges, including multiple counts of recklessly endangering another person, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.
Social Media Videos Showed Risky Stunts
On March 25, Burrell was seen in a video veering into oncoming traffic on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard before entering Peninsula Park via a pedestrian path. He then performed doughnuts on the grass near park facilities while filming himself.
He was convicted of reckless driving for the March 25 incident, but acquitted on charges of recklessly endangering another person and criminal mischief.
Two days later, on March 27, another video showed Burrell driving through Farragut Park, laughing and making gestures while steering with his body halfway out the window. He was acquitted of reckless driving for this incident.
On March 28, Burrell was filmed driving along Interstate 5, passing vehicles while steering with his knees and hanging out of his car. He was convicted of reckless driving and recklessly endangering another person in connection with that event.
You can view the video that was played in court here.
Prosecutors Blast Verdict
Multnomah County District Attorney Nathan Vasquez expressed strong disagreement with the outcome.
“The evidence in this case clearly showed that Mr. Burrell was engaged in wildly reckless behavior,” Vasquez said in a statement. “He was driving through city parks with children present and hanging out of his vehicle on the freeway. That he was not found guilty of more charges is bewildering.”
Deputy District Attorney Alex Garcia, who prosecuted the case, said Burrell’s actions pose an ongoing threat to public safety.
“Mr. Burrell’s conduct is 100% criminal, and he will continue to do it for the ‘likes’,” Garcia said, referring to Burrell’s apparent motivation to gain attention on social media.
No Jail Time in Sentencing
Despite the guilty verdicts, Burrell was sentenced to no jail time. His sentence includes:
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18 months of bench probation
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80 hours of community service
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Attendance at a victim impact panel
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A high-risk driver course
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A 90-day license suspension
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Mental health and substance abuse evaluations with treatment if needed
The Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office thanked Portland Police Officer Zachary Nell for his work on the case.
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