Incident at Quatama MAX Station
HILLSBORO, Ore. (KATU) — A Beaverton woman faces multiple criminal charges after prosecutors say she launched a racially motivated attack at the Quatama TriMet MAX platform on Saturday morning. Court records identify the suspect as Shelby May Crosby, 30.
According to police, witnesses reported seeing a woman striking multiple people on the platform. Officers later located and arrested Crosby nearby on NE John Olsen Avenue.
Victim’s account and alleged tirade
Court documents say one of the alleged victims was waiting for the MAX when Crosby approached and asked for a cigarette. When the woman told Crosby she did not have one and asked for space, Crosby allegedly punched her in the head.
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As the victim tried to call for help, Crosby is reported to have shouted a string of threats and racial slurs, including “call the police, (expletive) Mexican. Go back to your own country. Anytime I see you here, I will kill you,” according to the charging documents. The victim became so distressed that she briefly lost consciousness after hyperventilating, police say.
Conduct during arrest and booking
Police say Crosby resisted officers while being detained, kicking her feet and screaming. While being processed into jail, she allegedly directed additional racial epithets toward a Black jail deputy, repeatedly uttering the N-word, and threatened to murder deputies who tried to control her. Deputies also reported that Crosby spat in a deputy’s face as she was placed into a holding cell.
Charges filed
Crosby was arraigned Monday and is charged with multiple offenses: four counts of bias crime, fourth-degree assault, resisting arrest, harassment, and attempted assault of a public safety officer. The four bias-crime counts reflect prosecutors’ allegation that the attack and accompanying threats were motivated by the victims’ perceived protected characteristics.
Legal context and next steps
Bias crime charges carry enhanced penalties in Oregon when an offense is motivated by the victim’s race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or other protected status. Court documents will be central in determining whether prosecutors can prove the motivation element required for the bias counts.
Crosby’s defense attorney has not been identified in public records, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s office had not released additional comment as of Monday. Further hearings, including any pretrial proceedings and bail determinations, will be scheduled through the county court system.
Community impact and safety concerns
Incidents like this — an alleged assault coupled with explicit racial threats — often prompt concern from transit riders and community groups about safety on public transportation. TriMet and local law enforcement typically urge riders to report crimes or suspicious behavior immediately and say resources are available to assist victims.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the incident or additional witnesses to contact Hillsboro Police to aid the ongoing investigation.
