Court To Set Hearing Date For Man Accused Of Throwing Woman Onto Metro Tracks, Into Freeway Traffic

[Screenshot from video]

A preliminary hearing date is scheduled to be set Wednesday for Juan Pablo Flores, 33, who is charged with mayhem and attempted murder after allegedly attacking a woman at a Pasadena Metro station.

Flores is set to appear at 8:30 a.m. in Department H at Pasadena Courthouse, 300 E. Walnut St. He faces two felony counts in the Aug. 7 attack at Metro’s Allen Station platform above North Allen Avenue on the A Line, formerly the Gold Line, next to the 210 Freeway.

At 5:30 a.m., prosecutors say Flores punched the victim multiple times, threw her onto train tracks, then dragged her across a cement divider and threw her into the 210 Freeway carpool lane. The attack was captured on security cameras.

The victim suffered a broken nose, broken bones, head bruising and deep lacerations requiring stitches. She was hospitalized, needed family assistance to walk after release, and returned to the hospital due to infections. She faces potential long-term disfigurement.

Sheriff’s Transit Bureau personnel arrested Flores at 5:45 a.m. at Allen Avenue and Villa Street in Pasadena. Investigators believe the attack was random. Flores has been held on $2 million bail.

Flores pleaded not guilty Aug. 27 and was scheduled to return Oct. 9, 2024, for a hearing to determine sufficient evidence for trial. If convicted, he faces life in prison.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones as she begins her journey toward recovery following this horrific attack,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said shortly after the incident.

“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 actions.”

Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger said, “This incident is a perfect example of why we need to urgently address safety issues, not only on the Metro train system but also at stations.”