Man Convicted for Stabbing Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the Face

            WASHINGTON –  Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was found guilty today for actions stemming from his April 15, 2025, attack on a Metro Transit Police Sergeant, announced U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro. 

            After a jury trial in Superior Court, Schleehauf was found guilty of one count each of assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. The Honorable Robert Salerno scheduled sentencing for October 3, 2025. 

            “The conviction of this defendant, who violently stabbed a Metro Transit Officer for legally pursuing him after he refused to pay his Metro fare, is a perfect example of the violent behavior that will not be tolerated here in the District,” said U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro. “This violent attack while people are commuting using the transit system threatens the safety of everyone in our communities, and, in this case, the brave transit officer, severely injured in this attack, who was just doing his job.”

            At around 2:26 p.m., on April 15, 2025, at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf evade his fare by jumping over the glass gates on his way out of the Metro Transit System. The MTPD Sergeant followed the defendant as he tried to leave the station using the escalator. After Schleehauf refused to provide his identification and ignored the MTPD Sergeant’s efforts to stop him, the MTPD Sergeant deployed OC spray. Schleehauf pulled out a sharpened metal bolt, placed it between his knuckles and swung repeatedly at the MTPD Sergeant. Schleehauf repeatedly stabbed MTPD Sergeant in the face, causing puncture wounds in his cheek and lower jaw—just above his neck, which resulted in nerve damage that continues to this day.

            Schleehauf was arrested at the scene.

            Joining in the announcement was Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD), and Chief Pamela Smith of the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD).

           This case was investigated by the Metro Transit Police Department and the Metropolitan Police Department.  

            This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.