A tense situation unfolded at Portland's Grand Floral Parade on Saturday when a man drove his pickup truck into the crowded festivities, prompting a police chase. Sidney Sean Mecham, 42, was apprehended after an officer on motorcycle patrol noticed the truck entering the parade's closed route, according to a statement from the Portland Police Bureau (PPB).

Eyewitnesses recounted a scene of panic, with children scrambling for candy in the street as Mecham's truck approached. One witness told local CBS affiliate KOIN that the truck was traveling at an estimated 30 miles per hour, causing people to scream and rush to protect their children. "I thought any minute someone was going to get hit," the witness recalled, emphasizing the presence of "tons of little toddlers."

The pursuing officer attempted to stop Mecham, driving alongside the truck and ordering him to pull over. However, Mecham reportedly ignored the officer's commands. The officer then proceeded to warn pedestrians of the oncoming truck, even swerving out of the way to avoid being hit himself. Mecham allegedly then veered toward families watching the parade from the curb, according to the PPB.

The chase continued, with Mecham driving through a barricade as parade volunteers scattered. The PPB Air Support Unit joined the pursuit, providing updates to officers on the ground. Mecham was eventually taken into custody near an intersection. He now faces multiple charges, including recklessly endangering another person, disorderly conduct, attempting to elude police, reckless driving, and a hit-and-run charge from a separate incident. His truck was also impounded due to lack of insurance, and he received citations for driving with a suspended license and no insurance.

KOIN reports that Mecham has an extensive criminal record, including traffic violations and sex crimes. A Portland Police Bureau spokesperson confirmed to the outlet that Mecham is a registered sex offender, with his initial sex-related charges dating back to 1996 in Multnomah County.