In a concentrated effort to address safety concerns on public transit, law enforcement officers arrested 28 individuals during a seven-hour operation along Northeast 122nd Avenue last Thursday. The coordinated “high-visibility public safety mission” was conducted by the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, the Portland Police Bureau, and the Port of Portland Police.
Focus on Transit Platforms and Bus Stops
The mission specifically targeted bus stops and MAX train platforms, areas identified as frequent trouble spots for drug activity, theft, and violent incidents. Authorities said those arrested face a range of charges, including drug possession, drug delivery, and outstanding warrants.
During the operation, officers also recovered a stolen vehicle, highlighting the broader criminal issues connected to transit corridors.
Also Read
Overdose Incident and Life-Saving Response
Amid the arrests, police encountered a man who had become unresponsive due to an apparent drug overdose. Officers quickly administered Naloxone, a medication used to reverse opioid overdoses, before calling for medical assistance. The sheriff’s office confirmed that the individual regained consciousness and was taken to a nearby hospital for further care.
Community Response and Rider Safety Concerns
Police reported that many residents and transit users expressed appreciation for the increased law enforcement presence, noting that such operations make them feel safer.
However, public confidence in TriMet’s transit system has declined sharply over the past decade. According to TriMet’s 2024 Attitude & Awareness survey, only 42% of MAX train riders said they felt safe, a significant drop of more than 30 percentage points compared to ten years ago. Among bus riders, the number was slightly higher at 54%, but still reflected growing concern about safety.
For those who don’t use public transportation, the perception was even worse — roughly 80% of non-riders said they would feel unsafe on TriMet’s trains and buses.
Recent High-Profile Transit Crimes
Several violent incidents in recent years have amplified fears surrounding public transit. In 2024, a Portland man fatally stabbed another passenger aboard a MAX train, an attack that shocked the community and reignited debates over security on public transport. Earlier this year, another man was sentenced for sexually assaulting an unconscious woman at the Hillsboro Transit Center.
These cases have underscored the urgent need for visible policing and preventive measures at transit hubs across the metro area.
Continued Public Safety Operations
Law enforcement officials said they plan to continue monitoring crime data from TriMet routes and transit areas to identify hotspots for future enforcement missions.
“Transit safety is community safety,” the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. “We will keep working to ensure that people can travel without fear — whether they are riding the bus, waiting at a stop, or using the MAX system.”
The agencies involved described the operation as part of a broader, ongoing strategy to improve public trust and safety in Portland’s public transit system, which has seen declining ridership due in part to concerns over crime and disorder.
As the city seeks to restore confidence in its buses and trains, Thursday’s arrests marked a visible step toward reclaiming safety on Portland’s streets — and on its transit lines.
