A man was pepper-sprayed and stabbed aboard a TriMet MAX train at Sunset Transit Center on July 9, halting service at the transit hub used daily by Bethany and Cedar Mill commuters.

Beaverton Police Department officers responded to the station at approximately 12:49 p.m. after an altercation stopped a MAX train traveling from Portland toward Beaverton, according to the department. One person was transported to a nearby hospital with nonfatal injuries.

Jesus E. Verduzco, 27, was charged with second-degree assault, unlawful use of a weapon, and unlawful use of mace in connection with the incident.

The incident

The victim was pepper-sprayed and stabbed during the altercation, according to Beaverton Police. The department has not released the victim's identity, age, or gender, and has not disclosed the nature of the stab wound beyond confirming the injuries were nonfatal.

Sunset Transit Center, located at the interchange of U.S. Highway 26 and Oregon Route 217, connects the MAX Blue and Red lines and the BethanyLink shuttle. It is the primary transit hub for Bethany, Cedar Mill, and Cedar Hills commuters heading into downtown Portland.

The station sits outside Beaverton city limits despite its proximity to the city. Beaverton Police responded because the location falls within their jurisdiction.

Investigation ongoing

Beaverton Police said the incident remains under investigation. The department has not announced a court date or arraignment timeline for Verduzco.

TriMet has not issued a public statement about the incident or any safety measures in response.

The three charges Verduzco faces carry significant weight under Oregon law. Second-degree assault is a Class B felony, while unlawful use of a weapon is a Class C felony. Unlawful use of mace is a misdemeanor.

How to help

Anyone with information about the July 9 incident is asked to contact Beaverton Police Detective Paul Fleckenstein at 503-526-2280.