Portland Man Sentenced for Shooting Out Red Light Cameras

Chase Payton Grijalva pleaded guilty to damaging multiple traffic enforcement cameras over a week-long period.

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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A 30-year-old Portland man named Chase Payton Grijalva was sentenced to two years in prison after pleading guilty to shooting out red light enforcement cameras in the city in 2024. Grijalva was arrested in June 2024 after a witness reported seeing him shoot at a traffic camera, and he later admitted to police that he had been damaging cameras for over a week, estimating he had shot out around seven of them. Grijalva was sentenced to 24 months in prison followed by five years of probation, and he was also ordered to pay over $55,000 in restitution.

Why it matters

The destruction of red light traffic cameras raises concerns about public safety, as these cameras are intended to monitor intersections and discourage dangerous driving behaviors like running red lights. Grijalva's actions could have put other drivers and pedestrians at risk, and the high cost of repairing or replacing the damaged cameras is an expense that falls on taxpayers.

The details

According to the Multnomah County District Attorney's Office, Grijalva was arrested on June 10, 2024 after a witness reported seeing him shoot at a traffic camera near Southeast 122nd and Southeast Stark. Police were able to locate and apprehend Grijalva based on the witness's description of the suspect and his vehicle. After being read his Miranda rights, Grijalva admitted to officers that he had been shooting out traffic cameras for over a week and estimated he had damaged around seven of them.

  • Grijalva was arrested on June 10, 2024.
  • Grijalva pled guilty on Wednesday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Chase Payton Grijalva

A 30-year-old Portland resident who pled guilty to shooting out multiple red light traffic cameras in the city in 2024.

Multnomah County District Attorney's Office

The prosecuting authority that handled the case against Grijalva.

Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Lavin

The judge who sentenced Grijalva to 24 months in prison followed by 5 years of probation.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Grijalva out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of red light traffic cameras in promoting public safety, and the consequences that can result from intentionally damaging this critical infrastructure. It also raises questions about the motivations behind Grijalva's actions and whether mental health or other factors may have played a role.