The woman who was violently attacked at a Pasadena subway station and dragged onto the 210 Freeway faces “long-term disfigurement,” authorities said Tuesday.
The victim was at the Allen subway station near Pasadena City College early Wednesday when a man approached her and suddenly punched her in the face, authorities said.
He allegedly continued to beat her until she fell to the ground, at which point he began banging her head against the platform. Authorities said he then pushed her onto the tracks, dragged her across a concrete divider of the freeway and into the carpool lane of the 210 Freeway.
She then managed to escape from her attacker and was hospitalized after the attack.
The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department told The Times in a statement Tuesday that the woman had 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 possibility of long-term disfigurement,” the department said.
The victim “has difficulty walking without the help of his family,” a spokesman said.
Juan Pablo Flores, 33, was arrested Wednesday around 5:45 a.m., shortly after the attack occurred, the Los Angeles County district attorney's office said Monday.
Flores is charged with attempted murder and disorderly conduct 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 road to recovery following this horrific attack,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón.
“No one should have to endure such brutality,” she 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 accountable for their actions.”
Allen Station is operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is located on the agency's A Line.
