Transit Police Arrest Driver After High-Speed Collision In Lloyd District - 12/12/25
MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – TriMet’s Transit Police Division (TPD) has arrested a 49-year-old man following a dangerous high-speed incident that began on Interstate 84 and ended with a collision in the Lloyd District.
“This incident demonstrates how extreme speeding and reckless driving in an urban area can put innocent bystanders at great risk,” said Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Transit Police members do an excellent job of helping to support public safety beyond just our transit system. They are often the first to encounter dangerous and unlawful behavior and are quick to address it.”
At approximately 11 p.m. on Thursday, December 11, 2025, a Transit Police saw a vehicle traveling more than 100 miles per hour westbound on Interstate 84. Another vehicle passed TPD at speeds estimated to be nearly 120 miles per hour.
The TPD unit initiated a traffic stop as the second car took the Lloyd Center exit. The driver initially came to a stop near Northeast 13th Avenue and Holladay Street. While initially cooperative, TPD members saw behavior from the driver that raised safety concerns.
As a precaution, TPD members put down a tire deflation device, which proved intuitive because the driver, identified as Steven Roll, took off just before being asked to step out.
When deployed on a stationary vehicle, the tire deflation device does not damage the vehicle’s tire. However, if the driver leaves during the traffic stop, the device will pop the tire allowing for a controlled air release.
The device functioned as intended, deflating the tire.
Roll turned on Northeast 13th Avenue before turning west onto Northeast Multnomah Street.
TPD members did not pursue but notified dispatch and other nearby officers.
A short distance later, Roll hit the center median near the well-known Lloyd District clock, causing significant damage to the structure, nearby planter boxes, and ultimately a parked, unoccupied vehicle. At the time of the initial impact, Roll is believed to have been well in of excess the posted speed limit.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported to any TPD members or community members.
TPD members caught up with Roll, who attempted to run from the crash scene, and took him into custody without further incident. Paramedics took him to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
Deputies booked Roll into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of reckless driving, attempting to elude by vehicle, attempting to elude on foot, criminal mischief in the second degree, possession of a forgery instrument, reckless endangerment, driving under the influence of intoxicants, interfering with a peace officer, escape in the third degree, forgery in the first degree, failure to perform the duties of a driver, and possession of methamphetamine.
Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.
The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.
Several photos from the crash scenes are being released. Media may use these with credit to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office.
About Transit Police:
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.
Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.
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