GRESHAM -- Gresham’s mayor and police chief planned to launch beefed-up patrols along MAX light rail lines Wednesday after reports of increased violence, the latest victim being a 71-year-old man attacked with a bat Saturday.

A 15-year-old gang member was arrested for beating Laurie Chilcote just before 9:30 p.m. at the Gresham Central MAX Transit Station on NE 8th Street and Kelly Avenue Saturday night.

KGW

According to police, Chilcote was waiting for a bus when three teenagers, including the 15-year-old suspect armed with a baseball bat, approached him. Police said Abel Antonio Chavez-Garcia and the other teens followed Chilcote off the train and taunted him by calling him old.

Gresham Police Chief Carla Piluso said a Good Samaritan called 9-11 and tried to help Chilcote but ran away, fearing the teens would return for retaliation.

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The police patrols are a result of rider complaints and statistics showing crimes near the train lines, Piluso said.

Chilcote was taken to the Neurology Intensive Care Unit at Oregon Health & Science University Hospital.

Chavez-Garcia, who police say is a known gang member, will be charged under Measure 11. He appeared in court Monday afternoon.