Portland man faces bias-crime charges after alleged attack on transgender woman at PSU-area MAX stop

Incident reported near Portland State University

A Portland man has been charged with multiple crimes, including bias crimes, after an alleged assault on a transgender woman at a MAX station near Portland State University, court records show. The case centers on an incident reported Sunday, February 8, at Southwest 6th Avenue and Montgomery Street.

A Portland State University officer responding to a reported assault found two people on the ground fighting. Police separated the individuals and interviewed the woman, who identified herself as transgender, about what led to the confrontation.

Allegations include slurs, assault with an umbrella, and an attempted stabbing

Investigators say the woman reported she was waiting for a train when a man approached and repeatedly told her “you’re a man.” She told police he ripped an umbrella from her hands and struck her with it. The woman also reported that the man grabbed her by the hair, threw her to the ground and punched her repeatedly, while also making a statement that prosecutors have framed as bias-motivated.

Officers later reviewed TriMet security video. Prosecutors allege that the footage shows the suspect approaching the woman and attempting to stab her with a knife. A knife was recovered at the scene, according to charging documents.

• Location: SW 6th Ave. and Montgomery St., near a PSU-area MAX stop

• Date of reported incident: Sunday, February 8, 2026

• Alleged conduct: assault and attempted assault, including an alleged attempt to use a knife

Suspect identified; additional allegations involve assaults on officers

Prosecutors identified the suspect as William Thomas Ashley, 51. Court documents describe him as combative when officers attempted to obtain his version of events. He is accused of headbutting and kicking an officer and directing racial slurs at officers during the encounter.

Police reports describe a sequence of alleged bias-related statements toward the victim and racial slurs toward officers during the arrest encounter.

Separate PSU-area case filed from the previous day

Ashley is also charged in a separate case that prosecutors say occurred the day before, February 7, at a convenience store near PSU. Court filings allege he entered the store, paced, and repeatedly asked, “Where is the money,” while keeping his hands at his waist in a way investigators say simulated possession of a weapon. The store clerk pepper-sprayed him, and he left. Prosecutors also allege that as he exited, he slammed the door hard enough to damage the door hardware and frame.

Charges and upcoming court date

Ashley was arraigned Monday on a list of charges that includes bias crime, assault, attempted assault, unlawful use of a weapon, aggravated harassment, attempted assault of a police officer, interfering with public transportation, and criminal mischief. He is scheduled to return to court on February 18, 2026.