The woman violently assaulted at a Pasadena subway station and dragged across the 210 Freeway faces “long-term disfigurement,” authorities said Tuesday.
The victim was at the Allen Metro station near Pasadena City College early Wednesday morning when a man approached her and unexpectedly punched her in the face, authorities said.
He allegedly continued to hit her until she fell to the ground, at which point he began slamming her head against the platform. Authorities said he then pushed her onto the tracks, dragged her over a concrete divider wall and into the carpool lane of the 210 Freeway.
She was then able to escape from her attacker. The woman was hospitalized following the attack.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told the Times in a statement Tuesday that she had since been released, with a broken nose and multiple cuts that required staples and stitches. The damage to her head and face was severe enough that “there is a risk of long-term disfigurement,” the department said.
The victim “has difficulty walking without the help of family members,” a spokesman said.
Juan Pablo Flores, 33, was arrested around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday, shortly after the attack, the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office said Monday.
Flores is charged with attempted murder and domestic violence and is being held on $2 million bail. He could face life in prison if convicted.
“Our thoughts are with the victim and her loved ones as she begins her journey toward healing from this horrific attack,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
“No one should have to endure such brutality,” he said, “and everyone deserves to go about their 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.”
Allen Station is operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and located on the agency’s A Line.
