Hearing Today for Man Accused in Violent Pasadena Metro Attack

A court hearing to schedule a preliminary hearing date is set for Wednesday, April 2 for Juan Pablo Flores, the man charged with attempted murder after allegedly attacking a woman at a Pasadena Metro station and throwing her onto train tracks and into freeway traffic.

The hearing is set for 8:30 a.m. in Department H of the Pasadena Courthouse, located at 300 E. Walnut St.

Flores, 33, faces felony charges of attempted murder and mayhem in connection with the Aug. 7, 2024, attack at the Allen Metro Station near the 210 Freeway. The attack occurred around 5:30 a.m., according to court documents.

Authorities allege Flores punched the victim multiple times, struck her head against the station platform and threw her onto the train tracks. He then allegedly dragged her across a cement divider and into the carpool lane of the adjacent freeway, exposing her to oncoming traffic.

The victim sustained severe injuries, including a broken nose, head bruising, and cuts requiring staples and stitches. Officials reported the injuries may result in long-term disfigurement, and the victim has difficulty walking without family assistance.

Sheriff’s Transit Bureau personnel apprehended Flores around 5:45 a.m. near Allen Avenue and Villa Street, shortly after the attack.

District Attorney George Gascón condemned the attack as an act of brutality that undermines public safety on transit systems. He pledged to hold perpetrators accountable for such actions.

“I’ve never seen anything like this, especially in Pasadena. That’s crazy,” said Christopher Martinez, a resident who viewed footage of the incident.

Flores was arraigned on Aug. 13, 2024, in Department D of the Pasadena Courthouse, with bail set at $2 million.

If convicted, Flores could face life imprisonment with the possibility of parole for the attempted murder charge. For the mayhem charge under California Penal Code § 203, he could face up to eight years in prison, or life imprisonment if classified as aggravated mayhem under California Penal Code § 205.

The incident has sparked calls from Los Angeles County Supervisors Janice Hahn and Kathryn Barger for enhanced security measures on public transportation systems. Both supervisors emphasized the need for comprehensive investigations and reforms to ensure commuter safety during vulnerable hours.