MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. — Detectives with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 48-year-old man accused of stealing brass plates from multiple TriMet MAX platforms earlier this month.
According to investigators, the alleged thefts occurred between March 17 and March 19, 2026, when TriMet reported that several large brass plates had been unscrewed and removed from stations along North Interstate Avenue.
Authorities identified the suspect as 48-year-old Benjamin Mark Honl. A Port of Portland Police Department officer assigned to Transit Police helped confirm his identity during the investigation, which involved reviewing surveillance footage and coordinating with regional law enforcement partners.
Honl was arrested on March 25 in the 12700 block of Southwest 6th Avenue in Beaverton. Following his arrest, investigators executed a court-authorized search warrant and reported finding a stolen brass plate hidden beneath a seat cushion in his vehicle. Detectives also recovered clothing matching that worn during the alleged thefts and a wheelchair believed to have been used to transport the heavy plates.
Honl was booked 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.
Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell said the arrest highlights strong collaboration between agencies working to protect public safety across the 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 riders move confidently and safely,” O’Donnell said.
TriMet Chief Safety and Security Officer Andrew Wilson emphasized the broader impact of such crimes, noting that the missing plates can create dangerous conditions for riders.
“Uneven surfaces or exposed openings can cause people to stumble or fall, especially in crowded or low-light conditions,” Wilson said. “They also expose sensitive equipment to damage.”
Officials say the brass plates protect critical transit infrastructure, and damage to that equipment could lead to electrical outages affecting platforms or rail operations. Each plate is valued at more than $1,000.
Authorities noted that the alleged thefts resulted in safety hazards, property damage, financial losses, and operational disruptions.
The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say details may change as more information becomes available.
Honl has been charged, but the charges are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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