The woman who was violently attacked at a Pasadena subway station and dragged onto the 210 Freeway faces “long-term disfigurement,” officials said Tuesday.
The victim was at the Allen subway station near Pasadena City College early Wednesday morning when a man approached her and out of the blue punched her in the face, authorities said.
He allegedly continued to beat her until she fell to the ground, at which point he began hitting her head against the platform. Authorities said he then pushed her onto the tracks, dragged her over a concrete freeway divider and into the carpool lane on the 210 Freeway.
She was then able to escape her attacker. The woman was taken to hospital after the attack.
The LA 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 injuries to her head and face were severe enough that “there is potential for long-term disfigurement,” the department said.
The victim “is finding it difficult to walk without the help of family members,” a spokesperson said.
Juan Pablo Flores, 33, was arrested Wednesday around 5:45 a.m., shortly after attack occurredthe LA district attorney’s office said Monday.
Flores is charged with attempted murder and mayhem and is being held in lieu of $2 million bail. He faces life in prison if convicted.
“Our thoughts go out to the victim and her loved ones as she begins her journey to recovery after this horrific attack,” said LA County Dist. Atty. George Gascón.
“No one should have to endure such brutality,” he said, “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 to hold those responsible fully accountable for their actions.”
The Allen station is operated by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority and is on the agency’s A line.