Man, 26, tried to push unsuspecting man into oncoming train in Seattle

A 26-year-old man was caught on surveillance camera sneaking up and trying to shove another man twice into an oncoming train at Northgate Station in Seattle, U.S. on Mar. 19.

Sneaked up on victim

The alleged assailant, Elisio Melendez, was seen lurking behind the unsuspecting commuter, according to surveillance footage provided by the King County Sheriff's Office.

The victim, identified in court documents as Peter Michael Walburn, was seen standing on the platform, looking at his phone and waiting for the train's arrival.

Melendez could be seen looking at the railway tracks, appearing to wait for an approaching train.

Attempted twice to shove man into train

As the oncoming train arrived, Melendez attempted to shove Walburn onto the tracks, but failed as the victim steadied himself.

The accused tried again before fleeing the scene.

Walburn managed to maintain his balance and gave chase.

According to the King County Sheriff's Office's Facebook post, investigators were able to identify Melendez via video footage, and it led them to a mental health community facility where he resided.

Melendez was arrested on Mar. 24, five days after the incident.

He has been charged with second-degree attempted murder on Mar. 26 and is on US$750,000 bail awaiting trial.

Prior arrest record

According to Komo News, court records showed that Melendez was previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and had a documented history of mental health treatment.

In 2019, he faced a domestic violence assault charge involving his sister, where she was allegedly stabbed in the stomach.

However, that case was dismissed in 2021 as he was deemed incompetent to stand trial.

Melendez also has an outstanding warrant in a separate misdemeanour assault case involving a woman at church, where he allegedly punched her unprovoked in 2018.

Top photos via King County Sheriff's Office