Portland Man Who Pushed Victim Toward Train Apologizes and Reveals What Led to Attack

A Portland man who pushed a commuter in front of a MAX train near Providence Park in 2024 has attributed his actions to struggles with addiction.

On April 16, 33-year-old Michael Moreland was sentenced to 75 months in prison for shoving a stranger, Patrick Kirby, onto the tracks. He was given credit for time already served.

The Multnomah County Court ruled that the accused is eligible to apply for Oregon’s Alternative Incarceration Program (AIP), which could reduce his sentence.

On May 1, 2024, Patrick Kirby, who regularly took the MAX train home from his job near Providence Park, was in for a shock when a complete stranger shoved him onto the tracks as a train approached. The man was later identified as Moreland.

“Out of nowhere, someone I’ve never had any contact (with) or anything pushes me from behind right in front of the moving train,” Kirby told FOX 12.

Train operator William Chastain told investigators that he witnessed Moreland running near the tracks and slowed the train down. By the time Moreland pushed Kirby, Chastain said he pushed the emergency stop button and was able to halt the train only a foot or two shy of hitting Kirby.

“All of a sudden he ran towards the tracks and shoved a man right onto the track in front of me,” Chastain said. “At first I wasn’t all that shaken and after a few minutes it kind of hit me what all had happened.”

After the incident, Moreland allegedly walked to Southwest 17th and Yamhill and robbed multiple people. He even punched one individual.

During his sentencing, Moreland apologized to his victims. His attorney, Stephen Houze, blamed the incident on his client’s drug addiction. “Those actions were completely unwarranted, undeserved and extremely frightening. And that’s something that I’m truly sorry for,” Moreland said. “I have struggled with addiction in my life but I still hold myself 100% accountable for my actions,” according to FOX 12 Oregon.

Judge Christopher Marshall said during the sentencing: “You’re clearly a talented young person, smart, and you’ve got a lot of years ahead of you, hopefully.”

The Alternative Incarceration Program (AIP) is a specialized program in Oregon that provides intensive treatment for drug and alcohol addiction and criminal behavior, allowing inmates to receive early release upon graduation.

If accepted into the nine-month-long program, Moreland could receive treatment for his addiction. Eventually, his prison sentence could also be reduced, Judge Marshall said.

“This is a program that is specifically designed to deal with inmates who have had such severe addiction problems,” Houze said. “This is the golden opportunity... to become a person who is sober, who can contribute in the community, who will be a good father, a good son. It’s a remarkable turnaround.”

Moreland pleaded guilty to attempted assault, robbery and the unlawful use of a weapon, referring to the MAX train.

Meanwhile, the man who was punched in the face, Cruz Morey, said he was happy to hear Moreland take responsibility for his actions.