Suspect accused of pushing man in front of oncoming MAX train

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- A man is facing attempted murder charges after authorities said he pushed a TriMet rider into the path of an oncoming train.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Multnomah County Sheriff's Office said they responded to reports that a man had pushed another man onto the MAX tracks near Providence Park.

The driver of the oncoming train managed to deploy the emergency brakes and stop the train before it hit the man and the suspect fled the scene officials said.

Within 20 minutes, multiple reports came in of robberies near Southwest 10th Avenue and Southwest Yamhill Street that involved a man who matched the description of the other incident.

Transit police and Portland police officers responded to the scene and took Michael Lynn Moreland, 31, into custody.

Moreland faces charges including second-degree attempted murder, second-degree attempted assault, fourth-degree assault, third-degree robbery, second-degree criminal mischief, third-degree escape, second-degree disorderly conduct and interfering with public transportation.

Police said they confirmed that Moreland and the victim didn't know each other.

A spokesperson for TriMet issued the following statement about the incident, in part praising the MAX operator for stopping the train in time:

TriMet commends the awareness and quick action of our MAX operator. Their quick-thinking immediately stopped the train and saved the life of the individual pushed into the trackway. All our operators are trained to be alert for the unexpected. They constantly scan their field of vision for riders, other drivers and people moving around buses and trains. In yesterday's frightening incident, our operator's dedication and attention to the victim after the ordeal truly stands out, and we applaud them. We also appreciate the quick work of our police to get the suspect off the streets and out of the community.