Erik Schleehauf, a 43-year-old resident of Washington, D.C., has been indicted on multiple felony charges following an incident involving a Metro Transit Police Officer. The charges include assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro and Chief Michael Anzallo of the Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD).
The indictment by the grand jury took place on June 25, 2025, with a jury trial set to begin on July 22, 2025.
According to evidence presented by the government, the incident occurred on April 15, 2025. At approximately 2:26 p.m., at the Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant observed Schleehauf avoiding his fare by jumping over the glass gates after passing through the fare machine. When approached by the officer as he attempted to exit via an escalator without providing identification or paying his fare, Schleehauf reportedly refused to comply. In response to this refusal, the MTPD Sergeant used OC spray. Schleehauf then allegedly brandished a sharpened tool and stabbed the officer in the face, resulting in puncture wounds. The sergeant sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received treatment at a local hospital.
The case is under investigation by the Metro Transit Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck.
It is important to note that an indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
