PORTLAND, Ore. — A St. Helens man has been convicted of multiple charges following a high-speed street racing crash in Portland that resulted in serious injuries to both him and his brother.
The incident occurred on May 27, 2023, when Portland police responded to reports of a severe crash on North Marine Drive. Arriving at the scene, officers found a mangled vehicle against a chain-link fence on the north side of the street, with the car’s engine ejected and resting across the roadway on the south side. First responders discovered Ivan Savitskiy, the driver, and his brother, Andrey Savitskiy, in the wreckage, both suffering significant injuries. The brothers were immediately transported to the hospital for treatment.
According to Portland Police Bureau (PPB) documents, initial investigations revealed that Ivan Savitskiy had been speeding down North Marine Drive when another vehicle pulled out in front of him. In an attempt to avoid a collision, Savitskiy swerved, lost control of the car, and crashed into a tree before coming to a stop against the fence.
Witnesses and surveillance footage helped piece together the events leading to the crash. Savitskiy, speaking with investigators while hospitalized, admitted to cruising at around 60 mph with his brother at the time of the incident. However, data from the vehicle’s onboard system showed that, just prior to the crash, Savitskiy was traveling at nearly 142 mph, with his speed dropping only slightly to 136 mph just three seconds before impact when he applied the brakes.
While Savitskiy claimed that the area was a popular spot for street racing and takeover events, he denied being involved with any spectators present at the scene. North Marine Drive is known as a hotspot for illegal racing, which has previously resulted in crashes, injuries, and fatalities.
The crash left Ivan Savitskiy with a broken leg, while his brother, Andrey, suffered more severe injuries, including a brain bleed and swelling. Although Andrey survived and was released from the hospital, he required ongoing treatment, including cognitive therapy for memory and speech issues caused by the crash.
Following a lengthy investigation, Ivan Savitskiy was indicted on charges of second-degree assault and reckless driving in July 2023. A jury convicted him on both counts, and he now faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 70 months in prison.
Savitskiy’s sentencing is scheduled for March 17, 2025. His case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of street racing, a reckless activity that can have devastating consequences for participants and innocent bystanders alike.
