A new MAX train line under construction in Southeast Portland is now surrounded by worried neighbors.

That's because a Portland police sergeant just told them MAX could bring more violence and danger their way.

Outer southeast neighbors attended a community meeting sponsored by ACORN this week. They wanted to tell police about some nagging crime and nuisance issues.

What they got from one police sergeant was an uncomfortable reality check.

"The police basically said, 'Yeah, we know the problem exists. We know it's going to get worse and there's really nothing we're going to be able to do about it,'" said Caroline Garrett.

Garrett just bought a home on SE Woodstock Blvd. two blocks from the new MAX line construction.

East Precinct Sgt. Kim Preston's comments at the meeting are quoted in The Oregonian.

He said, "The MAX has been a living nightmare for us. I would not ride it at night -- and I'm armed all the time. There are massive fights, guns displayed, stabbings, people being threatened and bullied."

Garrett says the comments were upsetting and confusing.

"If he doesn't even want to use our public transportation system then that doesn't make me too comfortable using it, especially as a young mom with a small child."

Portland Police refuse to comment on Sgt. Preston's remarks, saying he was speaking his own mind and did not represent the thoughts and opinions of the Portland Police Bureau.

Meanwhile, TriMet is confounded by the sergeant's comments.

"When I read the article it was surprising and concerning," said TriMet Operations Manager Peggy Hanson.

Hanson says each day there's an average of only one report of verbal or physical violence for every 100,000 riders on the train.

There are cameras watching on board the trains and at train stops, as well private and public police available to respond to emergencies.

"It's a safe transit system," she added.

Garrett, the mother who just moved into the neighborhood, rides TriMet almost exclusively.

She vows to work with police to make sure MAX is a welcome addition to a neighborhood already struggling against crime.

TriMet now wants to have a conversation with Portland Police to see if there is, indeed, a perception problem about MAX.

Sgt. Preston is on vacation and unreachable for comment.

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