On Camera: Man Shoves Passenger Toward Approaching Train At US Station

Last Updated:April 03, 2026, 08:16 IST

After his arrest, Melendez denied the allegations, claiming that someone else may have been wearing his clothes. "Maybe that was my twin that I don't have," he said.

A shocking incident at a subway station in the United States was captured on camera, showing a man shoving a passenger toward an oncoming light rail train at Seattle’s Northgate Station triggering panic among commuters.

The incident happened on March 19, in which the victim narrowly escaped the tracks just as the train pulls in. The accused identified as 26-year-old Elisio Melendez, has since been charged with attempted murder in the second degree. He was arrested at a behavioral health facility near the train station on March 24, five days after the terrifying attack at Northgate train station.

Court documents identified the victim as Peter Michael Walbrun, who was looking at his phone while the hooded assailant lingered just behind him, seemingly waiting for the train to arrive before making his move, New York Post reported.

As the train sped into the station, Melendez rushed forward, seemingly trying to shove Walbrun into the oncoming train, video shows. Fortunately, Walbrun managed to catch himself and briefly grappled with his alleged attacker.

After his arrest, Melendez denied the allegations, claiming that someone else may have been wearing his clothes. “Maybe that was my twin that I don’t have," he said.

Citing concerns over public safety and the risk that he may fail to appear for court hearings, prosecutors have requested that Melendez be held on a $750,000 bond.

According to court records, Melendez was previously charged with stabbing his sister in the stomach with a knife in 2021, but the case for second-degree assault and domestic violence was dismissed in 2021 after he was found incompetent to stand trial due to his schizophrenia diagnosis.

The incident sparked strong reactions on social media, with many users expressing anger and concern over public safety. Some pointed to the suspect’s alleged past, claiming he had previously been committed to a mental hospital after a stabbing incident in 2021 and questioning why he was back in public.

“Legit committed in a mental hospital for stabbing his sister in the stomach in 2021. Charges were dropped cause he was found incompetent to stand trial, after which he was committed. I dunno why he’s out and about but I don’t believe his mental illness is an excuse for this. He planned it, he watched for the train, pushed the guy, ran, and then tried to lie to police when he was caught. He’s competent. Put him in jail," one user wrote.

“This guy has some history, it looks like. Let’s just let him walk around until he actually kills someone, then we will give him maybe 4 years, maybe," added another.

“Call me paranoid, but I always stay back from the tracks and am always checking my 6," a third commented.

“Horrible and disgusting human!! I already actually expect for someone to attempt stuff like that, and it is a bit paranoid but a protection being wary. No matter the city or location, I’m on guard. I always feel uneasy at light rails from pedestrians and of intersections with cars running red lights. I love not driving, but the stress and danger of being a pedestrian is hard. I hope the repeated shove attempts make the sentencing harsher," the fourth user wrote.

“I really don’t care about “mental illness" like that. Put them away or prove it without a doubt that they had no say in the choice," added the fifth.

News world On Camera: Man Shoves Passenger Toward Approaching Train At US Station

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