MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Members of the Transit Police Division (TPD) and the Portland Police Bureau (PPB) have safely arrested a 36-year-old man who is accused of using a weapon to threaten transit security guards in the Hazelwood neighborhood.

This investigation began at 12:56 p.m. on Thursday, November 20, 2025, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received information about an alleged disturbance involving a man, later identified as a 36-year-old man. The man reportedly threatened two transit security guards with a weapon. The specific details of the incident remain under investigation, including details about the weapon.

Portland Police found the suspect near Northeast 131st Street and East Burnside Street.

Law enforcement quickly established probable cause to arrest the man.

As officers began efforts to form an arrest team, the suspect continued walking east to Northeast 133rd Avenue and East Burnside Street. The suspect made repeated threats to harm police.  

Portland Police officers began talking to the suspect, but he refused orders to surrender and did not comply. Officers surrounded the area to prevent the suspect from escaping or threatening anyone else.

As law enforcement continued their efforts to speak with the suspect, they saw him holding a weapon and a rock.

Law enforcement gave the man repeated warnings about use of force as they worked to develop a plan to take him into custody.

Out of an abundance of caution and to support public safety, law enforcement requested TriMet temporarily suspend MAX service in the area. Portland Police and Transit Police shut down traffic on East Burnside Street from Northeast 122nd Avenue and Northeast 148th Avenue.

At approximately 1:35 p.m., having exhausted their de-escalation efforts, Transit Police and Portland Police implemented their arrest plan and took the man into custody following the deployment of less than lethal foam impact rounds and a conducted energy weapon (CEW), commonly known as a TASER.

Officers requested the 36-year-old man be evaluated by medical personnel. The man did not present any serious physical injuries.

The man will be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges that include menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, and interfering with public transportation.

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

About Transit Police:  
The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

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