Southbound lanes on Interstate Avenue turned into a no-go zone Tuesday after police responded to a report of a suspicious device at the Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX station near the Moda Center. Transit officers arrested a man on the platform while the Metro Explosive Device Unit was called in to check a bag left next to the bus stop, city officials said. Commuters were rerouted and trains were delayed as investigators worked to secure the scene and figure out what they were dealing with.
“Transit Police arrested a man at the Interstate MAX station at the Rose Quarter, and upon searching him, found a suspicious device,” Deputy John Plock told KATU. The station reports that the Metro Explosive Device Unit was on scene and that southbound Interstate Avenue stayed closed while officers examined a black bag next to the west-side bus stop. TriMet alerted riders that Yellow Line trains were skipping the Interstate/Rose Quarter stop and set up shuttle service while crews worked.
Transit Impacts And Rider Guidance
TriMet normally runs Blue, Green and Red MAX lines to the Rose Quarter, while the Yellow Line serves the Interstate/Rose Quarter platform. TriMet's event page outlines how service typically works near the Moda Center during regular operations.
With the suspicious device investigation underway, riders were encouraged to catch alternate MAX lines or regular bus service at the Rose Quarter Transit Center for downtown trips while the immediate area around the station was cleared. Anyone whose commute runs through the Rose Quarter was told to plan for delays and build in extra travel time.
Police Response And Context
Portland Police officers and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office Transit Police unit were reported on scene as they coordinated with the explosives team working the bag.
Similar alerts have shut down major routes before. In June 2025, police briefly closed Interstate 5 while they investigated an improvised device and later arrested a suspect, underscoring how a single call can ripple through traffic and transit across the region, according to KPTV. Authorities have not yet released any charges or detailed findings from the current investigation.
Where To Find Updates
TriMet posts live service alerts as disruptions unfold, and the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office shares press updates and social posts as investigations progress. Check TriMet or the agency's social channels for the latest detours and schedule changes, and follow local news outlets for official statements from law enforcement.
We will update this story as authorities release more information.
