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News Release

TriMet Transit Police Arrest Suspect Accused Of Targeting Transit Infrastructure - 03/30/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 48-year-old man accused of stealing brass plates from TriMet MAX platforms.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, between March 17 and March 19, 2026, TriMet reported someone unscrewing multiple large brass plates and stealing them. These alleged thefts occurred from several MAX stations along North Interstate Avenue.

 

“Today’s announcement reflects the coordination that defines our partnerships with TriMet and the district attorney’s office to enhance public safety in our community,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Across our entire 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 TriMet riders move confidently and safely.”

 

“This case illustrates the strength of our multi-agency approach to law enforcement, with partners working together to address public safety across our transit system," said TriMet's Chief Safety and Security Officer Andrew Wilson. "Theft and vandalism have real impacts. Missing plates leave uneven surfaces or openings where people could stumble or fall, especially in crowded or low-light conditions, and they expose sensitive equipment to damage. We're grateful for the Transit Police and fellow law enforcement officers who worked quickly to stop these thefts and recover stolen property.”

 

After learning about the alleged thefts, TriMet Transit Police began an investigation, which included reviewing public safety cameras and collaborating with regional law enforcement.

 

A Port of Portland Police Department officer assigned to Transit Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Benjamin Mark Honl.

 

Transit Police located and arrested Honl in the 12700-block of Southwest 6th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, on March 25, 2026.

 

A court-authorized search warrant led to the recovery of a stolen brass plate hidden under Honl’s vehicle seat cushion, clothing that matched that worn by the suspect during the thefts, and a wheelchair used to move the heavy plates, according to court documents.

 

Deputies booked Honl 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.

 

The brass plates shield sensitive transit-related equipment. Damage to this equipment could lead to electrical outages affecting the platform or parts of the rail system.  

 

The alleged thefts resulted in safety hazards, property damage, financial losses and operational impacts. Each brass plate is worth more than $1,000.

 

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

 

MCSO is providing additional photos and videos related to this case. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, not “MCSO.”

 

 

About Transit Police:  

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

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TriMet Transit Police Arrest Suspect Accused Of Targeting Transit Infrastructure - 03/30/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – Detectives with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office have arrested a 48-year-old man accused of stealing brass plates from TriMet MAX platforms.

 

Based on the preliminary investigation, between March 17 and March 19, 2026, TriMet reported someone unscrewing multiple large brass plates and stealing them. These alleged thefts occurred from several MAX stations along North Interstate Avenue.

 

“Today’s announcement reflects the coordination that defines our partnerships with TriMet and the district attorney’s office to enhance public safety in our community,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “Across our entire 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 TriMet riders move confidently and safely.”

 

“This case illustrates the strength of our multi-agency approach to law enforcement, with partners working together to address public safety across our transit system," said TriMet's Chief Safety and Security Officer Andrew Wilson. "Theft and vandalism have real impacts. Missing plates leave uneven surfaces or openings where people could stumble or fall, especially in crowded or low-light conditions, and they expose sensitive equipment to damage. We're grateful for the Transit Police and fellow law enforcement officers who worked quickly to stop these thefts and recover stolen property.”

 

After learning about the alleged thefts, TriMet Transit Police began an investigation, which included reviewing public safety cameras and collaborating with regional law enforcement.

 

A Port of Portland Police Department officer assigned to Transit Police identified the suspect as 48-year-old Benjamin Mark Honl.

 

Transit Police located and arrested Honl in the 12700-block of Southwest 6th Avenue in Beaverton, Oregon, on March 25, 2026.

 

A court-authorized search warrant led to the recovery of a stolen brass plate hidden under Honl’s vehicle seat cushion, clothing that matched that worn by the suspect during the thefts, and a wheelchair used to move the heavy plates, according to court documents.

 

Deputies booked Honl 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.

 

The brass plates shield sensitive transit-related equipment. Damage to this equipment could lead to electrical outages affecting the platform or parts of the rail system.  

 

The alleged thefts resulted in safety hazards, property damage, financial losses and operational impacts. Each brass plate is worth more than $1,000.

 

Charges are only allegations, and every arrested person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

 

ORS 133.870 generally prohibits the release of jail booking photos to the public unless it is determined that there is a law enforcement purpose.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change. 

 

MCSO is providing additional photos and videos related to this case. Please credit the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, not “MCSO.”

 

 

About Transit Police:  

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

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MCSO Initiates In-Custody Death Investigation Protocol At Multnomah County Detention Center - 03/26/26

View this release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is conducting an in-custody death investigation.

 

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, deputies assigned to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) responded to a medical incident within the facility involving a 65-year-old man.

 

Deputies and Multnomah County Health Department Corrections Health personnel performed lifesaving measures. Paramedics from the Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response (AMR) continued medical care and took the person to the hospital where he later died on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

 

“A death in our custody is something we take very seriously, and I recognize the impact on the person’s family and those who are affected by this loss,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “While this investigation is in the early stages, we are committed to a thorough review. As the investigation progresses, and details are finalized by the medical examiner's office, we remain committed to sharing information in accordance with our transparency standards and state law.”

 

In accordance with standard protocol, MCSO requested assistance from the East County Major Crimes Team to conduct a death investigation. 

 

The man who died entered MCSO custody on February 19, 2026, after being booked into jail by the Gresham Police Department.

 

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading the death investigation. The person’s identity will be released once their family has been notified. 

 

Information about how and why the person died will be shared after the medical examiner completes its investigation, which will include an autopsy and toxicology analysis.

 

No additional information can be released at this time.

 

The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

 

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MCSO Initiates In-Custody Death Investigation Protocol At Multnomah County Detention Center - 03/26/26

View this release online.

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) is conducting an in-custody death investigation.

 

At approximately 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, deputies assigned to the Multnomah County Detention Center (MCDC) responded to a medical incident within the facility involving a 65-year-old man.

 

Deputies and Multnomah County Health Department Corrections Health personnel performed lifesaving measures. Paramedics from the Portland Fire & Rescue and American Medical Response (AMR) continued medical care and took the person to the hospital where he later died on Thursday, March 26, 2026.

 

“A death in our custody is something we take very seriously, and I recognize the impact on the person’s family and those who are affected by this loss,” said Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell. “While this investigation is in the early stages, we are committed to a thorough review. As the investigation progresses, and details are finalized by the medical examiner's office, we remain committed to sharing information in accordance with our transparency standards and state law.”

 

In accordance with standard protocol, MCSO requested assistance from the East County Major Crimes Team to conduct a death investigation. 

 

The man who died entered MCSO custody on February 19, 2026, after being booked into jail by the Gresham Police Department.

 

The Multnomah County Medical Examiner’s Office is leading the death investigation. The person’s identity will be released once their family has been notified. 

 

Information about how and why the person died will be shared after the medical examiner completes its investigation, which will include an autopsy and toxicology analysis.

 

No additional information can be released at this time.

 

The East County Major Crimes Team includes detectives from the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, Port of Portland Police Department, Gresham Police Department and Oregon State Police.

 

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

 

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Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Reports 50% Increase In Hiring; Applauds County Investments - 03/19/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) increased its hiring by more than 50% in 2025 when compared to 2024.

 

Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell credited the success to county budget investments and modernized hiring practices during a briefing to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday March 17, 2026.

 

In 2025, MCSO hired 114 employees. This marks the first time since 2022 that new hires exceeded separations.

 

This positive update comes at a time when Multnomah County’s public safety system is seeing increased demands. As law enforcement agencies throughout the county increase their public safety initiatives, jail bookings have increased. In February 2026, MCSO processed 1,721 standard jail bookings, up 22% from February 2025.

 

The increase in jail bookings places additional pressure on MCSO’s Corrections Facilities Division, which has faced persistent staffing shortfalls since 2021.

 

It generally takes six months to complete the hiring process for a MCSO corrections deputy. The process includes screening applicants for minimum qualifications, assessing the eligibility, conducting background checks and interviews, and completing psychological and physical evaluations.

 

“Our corrections division is central to a well-functioning public safety system,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said. “When it is not operating efficiently due to staffing shortages, it places immense strain on our law enforcement partners and impacts overall community safety.”

 

In briefing the Board of County Commissioners, the sheriff and MCSO executive staff highlighted MCSO’s Human Resources Unit as a foundational component of overall public safety.

 

“By breaking down every step of our hiring process and relying on the expertise of our staff, we have been able to focus our efforts on filling all vacancies rather than filling some at the expense of others,” said MCSO Deputy Chief of Staff Jenny Carver.

 

MCSO is now utilizing dashboards to track retirement eligibility, allowing MCSO to anticipate potential vacancies and detailed information about applicants, hires, and departures to inform its recruitment strategies.

 

In FY 2026, Multnomah County approved a budget modification for MCSO to stabilize funding for existing positions and expand the HR Unit to include the following:

  • Adding two background investigators (total of 10). 
  • Adding one recruiter (total of five).
  • Adding one HR support staff member (total of four).

“A multi-year staffing crisis cannot be reversed in a single year," Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said. "However, the progress we have made highlights the dedication of our HR team and the support of the county. MCSO is committed to continuing this momentum to help ensure a safe and well-functioning public safety system."

 

MCSO Staffing Highlights:

  • 50% increase in overall hiring in 2025 when compared to 2024.
  • MCSO achieved a net gain of 32 staff members in 2025.
  • MCSO hired 34 corrections deputies out of 909 applicants in 2025.

MCSO Vacancy Rate:

  • Agency-wide vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%.
  • Sworn vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%, an improvement from approximately 9% in 2025.
  • Non-sworn vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%, an improvement from 12% in 2025. 

To learn more about job openings at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, visit https://www.mcso.us/careers.

 

###

Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell Reports 50% Increase In Hiring; Applauds County Investments - 03/19/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) increased its hiring by more than 50% in 2025 when compared to 2024.

 

Multnomah County Sheriff Nicole Morrisey O’Donnell credited the success to county budget investments and modernized hiring practices during a briefing to the Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday March 17, 2026.

 

In 2025, MCSO hired 114 employees. This marks the first time since 2022 that new hires exceeded separations.

 

This positive update comes at a time when Multnomah County’s public safety system is seeing increased demands. As law enforcement agencies throughout the county increase their public safety initiatives, jail bookings have increased. In February 2026, MCSO processed 1,721 standard jail bookings, up 22% from February 2025.

 

The increase in jail bookings places additional pressure on MCSO’s Corrections Facilities Division, which has faced persistent staffing shortfalls since 2021.

 

It generally takes six months to complete the hiring process for a MCSO corrections deputy. The process includes screening applicants for minimum qualifications, assessing the eligibility, conducting background checks and interviews, and completing psychological and physical evaluations.

 

“Our corrections division is central to a well-functioning public safety system,” Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said. “When it is not operating efficiently due to staffing shortages, it places immense strain on our law enforcement partners and impacts overall community safety.”

 

In briefing the Board of County Commissioners, the sheriff and MCSO executive staff highlighted MCSO’s Human Resources Unit as a foundational component of overall public safety.

 

“By breaking down every step of our hiring process and relying on the expertise of our staff, we have been able to focus our efforts on filling all vacancies rather than filling some at the expense of others,” said MCSO Deputy Chief of Staff Jenny Carver.

 

MCSO is now utilizing dashboards to track retirement eligibility, allowing MCSO to anticipate potential vacancies and detailed information about applicants, hires, and departures to inform its recruitment strategies.

 

In FY 2026, Multnomah County approved a budget modification for MCSO to stabilize funding for existing positions and expand the HR Unit to include the following:

  • Adding two background investigators (total of 10). 
  • Adding one recruiter (total of five).
  • Adding one HR support staff member (total of four).

“A multi-year staffing crisis cannot be reversed in a single year," Sheriff Morrisey O’Donnell said. "However, the progress we have made highlights the dedication of our HR team and the support of the county. MCSO is committed to continuing this momentum to help ensure a safe and well-functioning public safety system."

 

MCSO Staffing Highlights:

  • 50% increase in overall hiring in 2025 when compared to 2024.
  • MCSO achieved a net gain of 32 staff members in 2025.
  • MCSO hired 34 corrections deputies out of 909 applicants in 2025.

MCSO Vacancy Rate:

  • Agency-wide vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%.
  • Sworn vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%, an improvement from approximately 9% in 2025.
  • Non-sworn vacancy rate now stands at approximately 7%, an improvement from 12% in 2025. 

To learn more about job openings at the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office, visit https://www.mcso.us/careers.

 

###

TriMet Transit Police, Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit Provide Community Update On Suspicious Object At Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX Station - 03/17/26

Click to view this news release online. 

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – TriMet Transit Police and the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit have determined a suspicious object found in possession of a 42-year-old man did not contain any energized or explosive materials.

 

At approximately 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Transit Police and deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office – the lead agency for Transit Police - were conducting proactive patrols around the Moda Center in North Portland.

 

While on board a MAX train, deputies observed and contacted a man for a TriMet administrative rule violation.

 

The 42-year-old man, later identified as Jeremy Stavinoha, initially cooperated with MCSO deputies and exited the train at the Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX Station. During the investigation, Stavinoha tried leaving and was stopped.

 

It is alleged that deputies found Stavinoha in possession of a cylinder-like object. Stavinoha also made a statement to deputies that elevated the public safety risk assessment.

 

Based on the totality of the circumstances, including the object’s appearance, construction and location to critical infrastructure, MCSO and PPB established a safe zone and requested assistance from the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU).

 

A MCSO K-9 deputy assigned to Transit Police as an explosive detection team also responded.

 

During the on-scene investigation, MEDU used X-ray technology to identify metal spheres inside the approximately eight-inch tube.

 

MEDU secured the object and completed their render-safe procedures.

 

MEDU has determined the object contained several steel balls but no energized or explosive materials.

 

The coordinated efforts of responding law enforcement helped to ensure a safe and controlled environment. Each step taken during this investigation was guided by training and a shared commitment to public safety.

 

Deputies have booked Stavinoha into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of first-degree disorderly conduct, interfering with public transportation, resisting arrest and possession of a hoax destructive device.

 

Law enforcement cleared the scene around 10:15 a.m. on March 17, 2026, and TriMet resumed regular bus and MAX service through the area.

 

MCSO thanks PPB, MEDU, and TriMet for their assistance with this investigation.

 

MEDU is a team of law enforcement officers who respond to explosive-related incidents in the Portland metropolitan area. MEDU members are trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.

 

About Transit Police:  

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

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TriMet Transit Police, Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit Provide Community Update On Suspicious Object At Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX Station - 03/17/26

Click to view this news release online. 

 

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) – TriMet Transit Police and the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit have determined a suspicious object found in possession of a 42-year-old man did not contain any energized or explosive materials.

 

At approximately 8:15 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, Transit Police and deputies with the Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office – the lead agency for Transit Police - were conducting proactive patrols around the Moda Center in North Portland.

 

While on board a MAX train, deputies observed and contacted a man for a TriMet administrative rule violation.

 

The 42-year-old man, later identified as Jeremy Stavinoha, initially cooperated with MCSO deputies and exited the train at the Interstate/Rose Quarter MAX Station. During the investigation, Stavinoha tried leaving and was stopped.

 

It is alleged that deputies found Stavinoha in possession of a cylinder-like object. Stavinoha also made a statement to deputies that elevated the public safety risk assessment.

 

Based on the totality of the circumstances, including the object’s appearance, construction and location to critical infrastructure, MCSO and PPB established a safe zone and requested assistance from the Metropolitan Explosive Disposal Unit (MEDU).

 

A MCSO K-9 deputy assigned to Transit Police as an explosive detection team also responded.

 

During the on-scene investigation, MEDU used X-ray technology to identify metal spheres inside the approximately eight-inch tube.

 

MEDU secured the object and completed their render-safe procedures.

 

MEDU has determined the object contained several steel balls but no energized or explosive materials.

 

The coordinated efforts of responding law enforcement helped to ensure a safe and controlled environment. Each step taken during this investigation was guided by training and a shared commitment to public safety.

 

Deputies have booked Stavinoha into the Multnomah County Detention Center on charges of first-degree disorderly conduct, interfering with public transportation, resisting arrest and possession of a hoax destructive device.

 

Law enforcement cleared the scene around 10:15 a.m. on March 17, 2026, and TriMet resumed regular bus and MAX service through the area.

 

MCSO thanks PPB, MEDU, and TriMet for their assistance with this investigation.

 

MEDU is a team of law enforcement officers who respond to explosive-related incidents in the Portland metropolitan area. MEDU members are trained to deal with chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive threats.

 

About Transit Police:  

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) leads the multi-agency TriMet Transit Police Division. Transit Police officers and deputies help to ensure a safe transit system by riding trains and buses and visiting platforms and stations. They respond to calls for service and investigate crimes that occur on TriMet property in Multnomah, Washington and Clackamas counties.

 

Current agencies comprising Transit Police include MCSO, the Portland Police Bureau, Port of Portland Police Department, Beaverton Police Department, Hillsboro Police Department, Lake Oswego Police Department, and the Multnomah County District Attorney’s Office.

 

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MCSO Search And Rescue Team Safely Locates Missing Hikers In Columbia River Gorge - 03/11/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team successfully rescued two missing hikers in the Columbia River Gorge overnight following a lengthy effort through heavy rain and high winds.

 

This incident began around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when the two hikers set out from the Horsetail Falls parking lot.

 

Around 7:45 p.m., the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 9-1-1 call from one of the hikers who reported becoming lost. Deputies responded and found the hikers’ vehicle.

 

SAR coordinators successfully contacted the hikers by phone and BOEC dispatchers mapped their approximate location. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, ground teams - including the MCSO Green Hornets and SAR volunteers - deployed into the field.

 

Rescue teams reached the two hikers at 11:56 p.m.

 

Search teams then began the slow process of escorting the hikers back through the difficult terrain. The group arrived safely at the Horsetail Falls parking lot at 4:58 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

 

Although the hikers were soaked and cold due to the inclement weather, no injuries were reported. Once they had warmed up, teams on-site evaluated that the hikers were able to drive themselves home.

 

This successful mission was a collaborative effort involving two MCSO sergeants, four deputies and 20 dedicated search and rescue volunteers.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all hikers to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Gorge, especially during the spring months.

 

Always carry the "Ten Essentials," including extra layers of clothing and reliable light source or flashlight.

 

MCSO’s Green Hornets Team is a small team of deputies, who possess advanced search and rescue skills. When a missing, overdue or lost hiker is reported, any working, available deputies assigned to the Green Hornets may respond to perform a hasty trail search. They focus on rapid assessment and urgent medical care, rather than slower, intensive grid searches.

 

The team supports the MCSO Search and Rescue team. Members maintain advanced skills in navigation, emergency response, and technical rescue techniques to assist in critical incidents where time and conditions pose severe challenges.

 

No photos from the search and rescue are available.

 

###

MCSO Search And Rescue Team Safely Locates Missing Hikers In Columbia River Gorge - 03/11/26

MULTNOMAH COUNTY, Ore. (MCSO) -- The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office Search and Rescue (MCSOSAR) team successfully rescued two missing hikers in the Columbia River Gorge overnight following a lengthy effort through heavy rain and high winds.

 

This incident began around 12 p.m. on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, when the two hikers set out from the Horsetail Falls parking lot.

 

Around 7:45 p.m., the City of Portland’s Bureau of Emergency Communications (BOEC) received a 9-1-1 call from one of the hikers who reported becoming lost. Deputies responded and found the hikers’ vehicle.

 

SAR coordinators successfully contacted the hikers by phone and BOEC dispatchers mapped their approximate location. Despite the deteriorating weather conditions, ground teams - including the MCSO Green Hornets and SAR volunteers - deployed into the field.

 

Rescue teams reached the two hikers at 11:56 p.m.

 

Search teams then began the slow process of escorting the hikers back through the difficult terrain. The group arrived safely at the Horsetail Falls parking lot at 4:58 a.m. on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

 

Although the hikers were soaked and cold due to the inclement weather, no injuries were reported. Once they had warmed up, teams on-site evaluated that the hikers were able to drive themselves home.

 

This successful mission was a collaborative effort involving two MCSO sergeants, four deputies and 20 dedicated search and rescue volunteers.

 

The Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind all hikers to be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions in the Gorge, especially during the spring months.

 

Always carry the "Ten Essentials," including extra layers of clothing and reliable light source or flashlight.

 

MCSO’s Green Hornets Team is a small team of deputies, who possess advanced search and rescue skills. When a missing, overdue or lost hiker is reported, any working, available deputies assigned to the Green Hornets may respond to perform a hasty trail search. They focus on rapid assessment and urgent medical care, rather than slower, intensive grid searches.

 

The team supports the MCSO Search and Rescue team. Members maintain advanced skills in navigation, emergency response, and technical rescue techniques to assist in critical incidents where time and conditions pose severe challenges.

 

No photos from the search and rescue are available.

 

###