Disturbing video shows man attempting to throw woman into oncoming traffic in random attack at Pasadena subway station

PASADENA, Calif. (KABC) — A disturbing video shows a man attempting to brutally throw a woman into oncoming traffic at a subway station in Pasadena. Authorities say the attack was random.

It happened on Wednesday, August 7, at around 5:40 a.m. at the Allen Station on the A Line.

Warning: The above video contains scenes that some viewers may find disturbing.

The video shows the man, identified as 33-year-old Juan Pablo Flores, kicking and dragging the woman into oncoming traffic on the 210 Freeway. At one point, he hurled her so close to the main roadway that she was nearly struck by a passing vehicle.

“I've never seen anything like this, especially not in Pasadena,” said local resident Christopher Martinez when shown the video. “It's crazy.”

The victim suffered a broken nose and injuries to his head and face.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said her injuries “could result in long-term disfigurement.” Flores was arrested shortly after the attack.

Authorities said he and the victim did not know each other and the incident was completely random.

Flores has since been charged with two crimes: attempted murder and assault. He is currently being held on $2 million bail.

“Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones as she begins her road to recovery following this horrific attack,” Los Angeles District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “No one should have to endure such brutality, and everyone has the right to go about their daily lives without fear for their safety. We will not tolerate violence on our transportation system and will continue to hold those responsible fully accountable for their actions.”

If convicted, Flores faces a maximum sentence of life imprisonment.

Politicians speak out

Janice Hahn, a Los Angeles County councilwoman and chair of the Metro Board of Supervisors, issued a statement shortly after the attack earlier this month, calling the incident “disturbing.”

“I am grateful that the victim is recovering and the suspect is in custody,” she wrote. “Our board needs a comprehensive investigation of this incident, an inventory of where Metro's contracted police and transit security were when this woman was attacked, and a plan to increase safety during morning commute times. Our trains, buses, and stations must be safe for our riders, and we must continue to implement safety reforms to get our system to that point.”

Los Angeles County Councilwoman Kathryn Barger also issued a statement saying she was “outraged” by news of another attack on the subway system.

“I would like to commend the transit officers who responded quickly and arrested the suspect.

This incident is a perfect example of why we urgently need to address safety issues, not only in the Metro system but also at the stations. I expect a comprehensive report from Metro on what safety measures are being taken to increase safety, especially during the morning commuter hours.

Our Metro board has already taken some steps to improve public safety, including controlling fares, but it is clear to me that riders on our Metro system still face serious safety issues that cannot be ignored.”