Portland, Oregon – A social media post circulating on July 28, 2025, alleges that an unidentified man driving a stolen Lyft car intentionally drove into a group of homeless individuals, injuring several. The incident, described as a "rampage," reportedly occurred in Portland, with the perpetrator recognized by the homeless community and a witness. The tweet indicated that the man appeared prepared to flee the scene as he was being apprehended.
According to the tweet from an individual identified as "ghost Tara Faul," the man "plowed into their friends" and was met with "screaming threats" from the homeless as he was taken away. The author further claimed, "I think I’ve actually taken his photo before. He was on a rampage through Portland in a stolen Lyft car." This suggests a prior encounter or recognition of the individual's destructive behavior.
The incident highlights ongoing challenges in Portland, including a persistent issue with vehicle theft. Reports from previous years indicate a significant number of cars are stolen annually in the city, with some found abandoned near homeless encampments. While specific data for July 2025 is not yet available, stolen vehicles remain a concern for local law enforcement.
Portland has also experienced other vehicular incidents involving multiple victims in recent years. For instance, in January 2021, a man went on a vehicle rampage, hitting multiple pedestrians and bicyclists and killing one person, eventually being committed to a state hospital in May 2025. Another violent incident in downtown Portland on July 4, 2025, involved an individual on a rampage, though details did not include a stolen car or targeting homeless individuals.
The city continues to grapple with a significant homeless population, with new shelter initiatives being implemented in July 2025. Such incidents underscore the vulnerabilities faced by unsheltered residents and the broader public safety concerns related to vehicular assaults and stolen property in urban areas. Authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the alleged July 28 incident.