MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – TriMet’s Transit Police Division and the Portland Police Bureau have arrested an 18-year-old man who is accused of threatening a community member with a firearm on a TriMet bus in the Kenton neighborhood.

This investigation began at 8:02 a.m. on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, when the Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received information about a man who reportedly displayed a firearm on a bus.

The circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation. 

Based on the preliminary information, the suspect, later identified as Michael Sherman,18, got off the bus and boarded a TriMet MAX train at the North Lombard Transit Center, located near North Interstate Avenue and North Lombard Street.

Transit Police approached the MAX train as it entered the Rosa Parks MAX Station. As they did, Sherman is accused of running east – last seen near North Rosa Parks Way and North Maryland Avenue.

Transit Police and Portland Police quickly surrounded the area to contain Sherman to a single square block. 

The Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Response Team (SERT) and Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) responded to the scene to conduct a methodical search.

BOEC sent out a community notice using the PublicAlerts system to people inside the perimeter warning them of the police activity and advising them to stay inside. 

During the search, law enforcement recovered a firearm in a backyard near North Rosa Parks Way and North Maryland Avenue. 

Around 11:30 a.m., PPB located Sherman in the detached garage of a vacant home in the 6400-block of North Maryland Avenue and took him into custody without incident.

There were no reported injuries during the incident and no shots fired. 

Sherman will be booked into the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) on charges that include menacing, unlawful use of a weapon, interfering with public transportation, disorderly conduct, escape, recklessly endangering another person, carrying a concealed weapon, and possession of a loaded firearm in public. 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office and Portland Police Bureau appreciate the community’s patience during this incident. Several roads were temporarily closed to facilitate the safe and effective movement of law enforcement. 

Photos from the scene are being released. Media may use these photos, crediting the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office. 

At this time, no additional information can be released. 

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. 

Portland's community notification system is called PublicAlerts. Click here to sign up. PublicAlerts sends information by text, email, and voice message about how to stay safe during an emergency.

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.

About Portland Police SERT:

The mission of the Portland Police Bureau’s Special Emergency Reaction Team (SERT) is the preservation of life and property during critical incidents and high-risk operations. 

SERT provides tactical response and expertise in support of all branches of the organization. The presence of highly trained, highly skilled police officers working in conjunction with a Crisis Negotiation Team and under the direction of a Critical Incident Commander has shown to substantially reduce the risk of injury or loss of life to citizens, police officers, and suspects; and recognizing that a well-managed response to critical incidents typically results in a successful and peaceful resolution. 

SERT responds to incidents such as barricaded suspects, hostage events, active shooters, block searches for armed suspects, high-risk arrest or search warrants service, terrorist acts, and other events requiring resources beyond the capability of a typical patrol response. 

(Above Portland Police Bureau photo)

(Above Portland Police Bureau photo)

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