Man Charged With Attempted Murder After Allegedly Pushing Stranger Toward Light Rail Train at Northgate Station

Surveillance footage cited in the charging documents shows the suspect appeared to time the attack to coincide with the train’s arrival, “making it clear that his goal was to inflict maximum harm,” prosecutors wrote. Melendez fled the station after the incident. Investigators identified him through video footage and located him at a nearby residential treatment facility, where he was arrested on 24 March without incident.

During a subsequent interview with detectives, Melendez denied any involvement in the attack, suggesting that someone else may have been wearing his clothes at the time, according to the probable cause statement.

Prosecutors have requested bail be set at $750,000, citing concerns that Melendez poses a danger to the public and may not appear for future court hearings. Court records show Melendez previously faced a 2019 domestic violence assault charge involving a stabbing, though that case was dismissed after he was found not competent to stand trial. He also has an outstanding warrant in a separate misdemeanor assault case.

If convicted on the attempted murder charge, Melendez faces significant prison time.