Steven M. Owens
1943-1973
Officer Steven Owens was born in Marion, Illinois and moved to Portland as a small boy. He attended Woodstock Grade School and Benson High. He had served in the Army in Special Forces as a paratrooper, was a small plane pilot, flying instructor and active in the Civil Air Patrol.
He was appointed to the Bureau on June 2, 1971 at the age of 28. After completing his probation he was assigned to East and then to North Precinct.
The Incident
On September 23, 1973 an officer saw a young male driver making “acceleration skids” with his vehicle near SE 18th and Tacoma Street. When the officer attempted to make contact, the man sped away, followed by the patrolman. Soon two more patrol cars joined the pursuit, including one driven by Officer Owens. Several collisions occurred between the patrol cars and the suspect vehicle as it sped along side streets and onto I-5 northbound.
Near Killingsworth the three patrol cars attempted to box in the vehicle. Instead, the driver forced Owens into a freeway divider just below the Alberta overpass before his vehicle went out of control and hit the other two cars before coming to a halt. Owens was killed at the scene and his partner suffered minor injuries. The 18 year old suspect was charged with murder.
Officer Owens was 30 and survived by his wife.
He was appointed to the Bureau on June 2, 1971 at the age of 28. After completing his probation he was assigned to East and then to North Precinct.
The Incident
On September 23, 1973 an officer saw a young male driver making “acceleration skids” with his vehicle near SE 18th and Tacoma Street. When the officer attempted to make contact, the man sped away, followed by the patrolman. Soon two more patrol cars joined the pursuit, including one driven by Officer Owens. Several collisions occurred between the patrol cars and the suspect vehicle as it sped along side streets and onto I-5 northbound.
Near Killingsworth the three patrol cars attempted to box in the vehicle. Instead, the driver forced Owens into a freeway divider just below the Alberta overpass before his vehicle went out of control and hit the other two cars before coming to a halt. Owens was killed at the scene and his partner suffered minor injuries. The 18 year old suspect was charged with murder.
Officer Owens was 30 and survived by his wife.