VTA assault suspect chased another person before beating: sheriff

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KRON) — A man accused of committing a brutal beating on a Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) platform in San Jose targeted another victim before the attack, the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

The assault happened at the VTA Children’s Discovery Museum station in Downtown San Jose on Wednesday. SCCSO said video surveillance shows the suspect chasing another victim around the platform moments before the attack.

Andrew Perez, 26, was arrested after he was allegedly identified as the man seen on surveillance video (below) punching and kicking a man repeatedly. The sheriff’s office believes he also used a sharp weapon.

The victim was covered in blood from his head to his belt, the sheriff’s office said. He was hospitalized and placed in stable condition.

Perez was arrested after barricading himself in his home. Perez was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of body armor during the commission of a felony and interfering with safe transit operations.

SCCSO says there may be additional victims. Anyone else who was victimized by Perez is asked to contact the sheriff’s office.