SAN JOSE, California – A man is now facing an attempted murder charge following a vicious attack on a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority platform, as reported by the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, identified as 26-year-old Andrew Perez, was apprehended on charges of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of body armor during a felony, and interfering with safe transit operations.
The assault, captured on a security camera above the VTA platform, has been released by the sheriff’s office for public viewing. In the video, two men, one with platinum hair identified as Perez, can be seen on the platform. Initially engaged in conversation, the interaction quickly escalates as Perez physically assaults the man with a bicycle.
Perez proceeds to violently attack the victim, throwing him to the ground, kicking him in the head, and placing him in a chokehold. The disturbing video footage depicts a relentless onslaught of punches and kicks before the victim manages to escape from the platform, with Perez in pursuit.
Law enforcement, upon investigation, noted that Perez allegedly used an “unidentified weapon” during the assault, although no weapon was recovered at the scene. The victim sustained significant injuries, including an eight to ten-inch laceration on his forehead requiring seven staples, as well as additional wounds on his elbow and wrist. Despite the severity of his injuries, the victim is currently in stable condition.
Following the attack, Perez fled the scene and barricaded himself inside a nearby residence, triggering a lengthy standoff with law enforcement. The operation to apprehend Perez involved multiple agencies, including the San Jose Fire Department, California Highway Patrol, Sunnyvale Department of Public Safety, and the San Jose and Campbell police departments.
Authorities have confirmed that there was no known prior relationship between Perez and the victim, raising questions about the motive behind the violent assault on the VTA platform. As the investigation continues, the community remains on edge following the disturbing incident.