PASADENA, Calif. – A man accused of attacking a woman at a Pasadena Metro station, throwing her onto train tracks, and then pushing her into oncoming traffic on a freeway carpool lane, has pleaded not guilty to charges of attempted murder and mayhem.
Juan Pablo Flores, 33, appeared in court for the first time on Tuesday after being charged in connection with the violent incident that took place at the Metro A Line’s Allen Station. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies were called to the station shortly after 5:30 a.m. on August 7, following reports of an unprovoked assault in which a woman was repeatedly punched.
The victim fell to the ground and was struck multiple times before the suspect, identified by prosecutors as Flores, pushed her onto the tracks. He then reportedly “dragged her across the cement freeway divider,” placing her into a traffic lane on the freeway, according to authorities.
Flores was later apprehended without incident near the intersection of Allen Avenue and Villa Street by Sheriff’s Transit Bureau personnel. The injured woman was transported to a hospital, where she was last reported to be in stable condition.
The victim may face long-term disfigurement and had to return to the hospital due to infection in some of her injuries The attack also left her with several broken bones, heavy bruises, and deep lacerations requiring stitches
“Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones as she begins her journey toward recovery following this horrific attack,” said District Attorney George Gascón in a statement about the charges. “No one should have to endure such brutality, and everyone deserves to go about their day without fear for their safety. We will not tolerate violence on our transit system and will continue holding those responsible fully accountable for their crimes.”
Flores has remained in custody since his arrest, which occurred less than an hour after the incident. He is scheduled to return to a Pasadena courtroom on October 9, at which time a hearing date will be set to determine if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
