A man who shot and destroyed multiple traffic enforcement cameras across Portland, Oregon has been sentenced to two years in prison.
Chase P. Grijalva, 30, pleaded guilty to first-degree criminal mischief and unlawful use of a weapon for a series of shootings targeting automated traffic cameras in late May and early June 2024.
Authorities said Grijalva damaged 10 cameras during the two-week spree, which alarmed bystanders as he fired a handgun at the devices before fleeing the scenes in his car.
After his arrest on June 12, police discovered a handwritten manifesto in his Northeast Portland apartment in which he described his actions as a mission to “destroy the eyes of extortion,” referring to the city’s automated traffic enforcement system.
Prosecutors said the incidents caused widespread concern and disrupted public safety. During one incident, Grijalva pointed his gun at a bus driver, who later retired early after the encounter, according to prosecutors.
Judge Angela Lucero Lavin sentenced Grijalva to two years in prison and ordered him to pay $50,000 in restitution to Maximo Traffic Management, which operates the traffic cameras.
Police previously estimated the total damage from the shootings at nearly $500,000.
Grijalva has already served about 21 months in custody and is expected to be released soon. As part of the plea agreement, he will serve five years of probation and could face an additional five years in prison if his probation is revoked.
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