Man charged after allegedly drag racing in Portland

PORTLAND, Tenn. – One man is facing charges after allegedly drag racing in Portland, Tennessee.

According to a social media post by the Portland Police Department, on Wednesday, Aug. 26, an officer with the Portland Police Department observed two vehicles allegedly drag racing on South Broadway.

Authorities say the vehicles were traveling far above the posted speed limit.

An officer attempted a traffic stop on both vehicles, however, authorities say one vehicle continued speeding southbound on South Broadway.

After turning onto a side road, authorities say the driver of that vehicle lost control and struck a small bridge, coming to a stop.

Upon arrival, officers say the driver, identified as 42-year-old Juan Jose Arevalo, was taken into custody without further incident.

Authorities say following the crash, an officer discovered two young children crying in the back seat of the Camaro. According to police, the investigation further revealed the youngest child was not properly restrained during the incident.

Authorities say no injuries were reported.

Arevalo was transported to the Sumner County Jail and faces charges of drag racing, evading arrest by a motor vehicle, reckless endangerment with a vehicle, child endangerment, reckless driving, speeding, improper turn, failure to exercise due to care and driving without a license.

Arevalo remains incarcerated on a $275,000 bond.

The Portland Police Department states excessive speed, street racing and attempting to evade law enforcement create “extreme danger not only to those involved but also to innocent motorists, passengers and pedestrians.”