Police: Man tried to run over cop | Crime

A Portland Police sergeant riding his bike to work Tuesday morning was almost struck several times by a driver who later tried to run him over, a police spokeswoman said.

The series of incidents started early Tuesday morning as Sergeant Joe Santos was riding his bike to work along NW Cornell Road. He said Larry Fornshell drove alongside and came within inches of hitting him before continuing on.

Santos encountered Fornshell again at a stop sign further down the road. As Santos pulled alongside, he said Fornshell turned right, into Santos.

Fornshell continued on, and then stopped abruptly near NW 25th and Lovejoy Street. Santos said he had to ride to the left side of the car and into oncoming traffic to avoid hitting Fornshell. As he passed, Santos reached out and slapped Fornshell’s car with his hand.

As they came to the next intersection, Santos said Fornshell threw his car in reverse and tried to run down Santos.

Santos jumped off his bike and ran to the sidewalk, bike in hand. Santos avoided being hit, but Fornshell’s car struck the bike.

Fornshell took off and Santos called 911 with a description and the license plate number.

Tuesday night officers found Fornshell and arrested him for hit and run and attempted assault. He was booked into jail and then released on Wednesday, according to jail records.

Detectives are looking for any witnesses to the scene at 25th and Lovejoy. If you have information, call Detective Kevin Warren at (503) 823-3761.