Oregon Man Convicted in Road Rage Incident Caught in Damning Dashcam Footage from Own Vehicle

Sidney Mecham agreed to a plea deal over the June 11, 2023, incident, pleading guilty to 15 counts of reckless endangerment, reckless driving and two counts of unlawful use of a vehicle as a weapon, according to Oregon live. He was sentenced on October 1, 2024.

During his sentencing hearing, he reportedly said he would “accept the consequences” of his actions, as well as enroll in anger treatment and cognitive behavioral therapy while serving time.

“I caused fear to hundreds of children and their families, I acted on impulse,” he said, for KPTV. “I want you to know that I am ashamed of my actions and I am truly sorry for the pain and fear I have caused the families and the city of Portland.”

“I want to reassure everyone: This was not a planned attack on Portland and the Grand Floral Parade,” he added, saying “This was poor planning and impulsive thinking” exacerbated by the death of his niece the night before.

However, a representative for the victims added: “For many people, memories of this day will remain. This was a terrifying event for participants in the Grand Floral Parade.”

The incident occurred during the Portland Rose Festival’s Grand Floral Parade in June 2023. Video of the incident, captured from three different angles by cameras mounted on Mecham’s own truck, showed his savage violence in full.

The footage was initially released earlier this year during a hearing in which prosecutors argued for Mecham’s prolonged detention before his trial. Bail was denied; he has been in police custody since his arrest.

The video shows him yelling at someone on the phone about traffic in the area, before running over cones on the highway, taking a closed exit ramp, driving on a closed shoulder and passing trucks, before turning people around and yelling as he drives. passed by them.

Eventually, he finds himself in the middle of the parade route, moments before the parade begins. In the footage, he crosses the closed street, full of pedestrians – adults and children – who are seen running and screaming for their lives. A police officer on a motorcycle is also seen trying to stop him, without success.

Eventually, Mecham stopped and was arrested. Surprisingly, no one was injured in the incident.

During the sentencing hearing, a judge reportedly said he believed Mecham was truly apologizing for his “horrible and egregious” actions, giving him credit for time served and good behavior. He was also ordered to pay a $5,000 fine.