Man charged after trying to shove stranger in front of Seattle train

A Washington man has been charged after prosecutors said he tried to push a stranger in front of an arriving light rail train in Seattle. The victim stayed on his feet and escaped being hit.

The attack happened on March 19 at the Northgate light rail station in north Seattle, according to charging documents cited by KOMO. Prosecutors said 26-year-old Elisio Melendez came up behind the man as a train entered the station and tried to shove him onto the tracks.

Surveillance video showed Melendez appearing to sneak up behind the victim, who seemed to be the only person waiting in that part of the station. He then appeared to look toward the incoming train before pushing the man, who stumbled to within a few feet of the train but regained his balance.

Melendez tried to shove the victim a second time, but failed, before running from the scene. Charging documents said the footage appeared to show the attack was timed to the train’s arrival, which prosecutors said showed an intent to cause maximum harm.

Investigators later identified Melendez through video footage and arrested him on March 24 at a nearby residential treatment facility, KOMO reported. He is charged with attempted second-degree murder.

According to the probable cause statement, Melendez denied involvement when questioned by detectives and suggested someone else may have been wearing his clothes. “Maybe that was my twin that I don’t have,” he allegedly said.

Prosecutors asked that bail be set at $750,000, arguing that Melendez poses a danger to the public and may not appear in court.

Court records cited by KOMO said Melendez has been diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a documented history of mental health treatment.