A man is in custody, facing attempted murder among other charges, after pushing a TriMet rider into the path of an oncoming MAX train.

On Tuesday, May 21, at 4:19 p.m., Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Transit Police Division (TPD) deputies responded to the Providence Park MAX Station near the intersection of SW 17th Avenue and SW Yamhill Street in Portland. It was reported that a man pushed another man in the path of an oncoming MAX train as he waited at the station. The TriMet operator of the approaching train quickly deployed the emergency braking system and stopped the train before impact. Deputies arrived and contacted the victim who reported only suffering minor injuries. The suspect ran away before deputies arrived.

Approximately 20 minutes later, dispatchers received multiple callers reporting various thefts near the intersection of SW 10th Avenue and SW Yamhill Street involving a man that matched the description from the earlier incident. Transit Police deputies, along with Portland Police Bureau officers, responded and took the suspect into custody. The suspect is identified as 31-year-old Michael Lynn Moreland. 

Transit Police deputies also determined that the suspect, Moreland, and victim did not know each other.
Moreland is charged with:
•    Attempted murder in the second degree
•    Attempted assault in the second degree
•    Assault in the fourth degree
•    Robbery in the third degree
•    Criminal mischief in the second degree
•    Escape in the third degree
•    Disorderly conduct in the second degree
•    Interfering with public transportation

The Portland Police Bureau is investigating the thefts that occurred prior to the suspect being arrested. Additional charges may be filed.

Moreland is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. arraignment today, 5/22/2024, in Justice Center courtroom #3.

No further information will be released at this time.