A harrowing incident at a Portland MAX station led to the arrest of a man on a spree of crimes, including an attempt to shove a fellow rider into the path of an oncoming train. According to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, 31-year-old Michael Lynn Moreland was charged with attempted murder and a string of other offenses stemming from the chaos he is accused of causing on Tuesday.
Deputies from MCSO’s Transit Police Division were called to the scene at Providence Park MAX Station, following a report that Moreland had pushed a man into harm's way as a train approached. The potential tragedy was averted, however, as the quick-thinking TriMet operator hit the emergency brakes, sparing the victim from serious harm—suffering only minor injuries. After the assault, the suspect fled but was recognized by passersby during subsequent thefts nearby, Multnomah County officials specified.
Intercepted after a flurry of 911 calls about thefts around SW 10th Avenue and SW Yamhill Street, Moreland was nabbed. Officials affirmed that there was no prior relationship between Moreland and the victim—a fact that seems to underscore the randomness of the assault.
Moreland's rap sheet from the day's events includes attempted murder in the second degree, attempted assault in the second degree, assault in the fourth degree, and robbery in the third degree among others. The Portland Police Bureau has now taken the helm in investigating the preceding thefts, which means Moreland could be facing even more legal trouble.
The court has prepped for Moreland's arraignment, scheduled for 2:00 p.m. today in courtroom #3 of the Justice Center. Further details on the case remain under wraps, with authorities declining to share more information at present.
