The Beaverton Police Department has arrested Samir Helio Pazzoto-Filho, a Washington County resident, in connection with a high-speed hit-and-run incident involving a motorcyclist on U.S. Route 26. The incident, which occurred on Monday, was captured on dashcam video and appears to have stemmed from a road rage altercation between Pazzoto-Filho and the motorcyclist.
Incident Details
The video footage released by police shows a minivan driven by Pazzoto-Filho and the motorcyclist speeding alongside each other on the highway. The passenger window of the minivan is rolled down, and the motorcyclist is seen talking and gesturing to the driver. Seconds later, the minivan makes a sharp right turn, slamming into the motorcyclist and sideswiping him with such force that he is pushed out of the middle lane, crashes, and slides onto an exit ramp.
The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries but has since been discharged from the hospital and is recovering with his family. Pazzoto-Filho was apprehended after police received a tip and found him driving the blue Kia Carnival minivan at his residence.
Charges Against Pazzoto-Filho
Pazzoto-Filho faces five charges: attempted assault, second-degree assault, hit-and-run, reckless driving, and unlawful use of a weapon. According to the police, Pazzoto-Filho had been seen driving recklessly for days before the incident, and anyone with information about his driving is encouraged to contact the authorities.
The arrest brings closure to a disturbing incident that highlighted the dangers of road rage and reckless driving on public highways.
