MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 48-year-old man accused of stealing brass plates from TriMet MAX platforms.

Based on the preliminary investigation, between March 17 and March 19, 2026, TriMet reported someone unscrewing multiple large brass plates and stealing them. These alleged thefts occurred from several MAX stations along North Interstate Avenue.

“Today’s announcement reflects the coordination that defines our partnerships with TriMet and the district attorney’s office to enhance public safety in our community,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Across our entire transit system, the deputies and officers assigned to Transit Police represent a team of dedicated public servants who are making a genuine difference and helping TriMet riders move confidently and safely.” 

“This case illustrates the strength of our multi-agency approach to law enforcement, with partners working together to address public safety across our transit system," said TriMet's Chief Safety and Security Officer Andrew Wilson. "Theft and vandalism have real impacts. Missing plates leave uneven surfaces or openings where people could stumble or fall, especially in crowded or low-light conditions, and they expose sensitive equipment to damage. We're grateful for the Transit Police and fellow law enforcement officers who worked quickly to stop these thefts and recover stolen property.”

After learning about the alleged thefts, TriMet Transit Police began an investigation, which included reviewing public safety cameras and collaborating with regional law enforcement. 

A Port of Portland Police Department officer assigned to Transit Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Benjamin Mark Honl.

Transit Police located and arrested Honl in the 12700-block of Southwest 6^th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, on March 25, 2026. 

A court-authorized search warrant led to the recovery of a stolen brass plate hidden under Honl’s vehicle seat cushion, clothing that matched that worn by the suspect during the thefts, and a wheelchair used to move the heavy plates, according to court documents. 

Deputies booked Honl into the Multnomah County Detention Center on two counts of first-degree theft, one count of attempted first-degree theft, and one count of first-degree criminal mischief. 

The brass plates shield sensitive transit-related equipment. Damage to this equipment could lead to electrical outages affecting the platform or parts of the rail system.  

The alleged thefts resulted in safety hazards, property damage, financial losses and operational impacts. Each brass plate is worth more than $1,000. 

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

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose. 

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. 

MCSO is providing additional photos and videos related to this case. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, not “MCSO.” 

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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