Erik Schleehauf, 43, of Washington, D.C., was convicted for stabbing a Metro Transit Police Sergeant in the face during an incident on April 15, 2025. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Ferris Pirro.
A jury in Superior Court found Schleehauf guilty of assault of a police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with serious bodily injury. Sentencing is scheduled for October 3, 2025 before Judge Robert Salerno.
“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.”
According to authorities, at approximately 2:26 p.m. on April 15 at Navy Yard-Ballpark Metro Station, an MTPD Sergeant saw Schleehauf evade paying his fare by jumping over glass gates as he exited the station. When confronted by the sergeant and asked for identification—which Schleehauf refused to provide—the sergeant used OC spray to try to stop him. Schleehauf then produced a sharpened metal bolt and repeatedly stabbed the sergeant in the face and lower jaw area. The injuries resulted in nerve damage that persists.
Schleehauf was arrested at the scene.
Chief Michael Anzallo of Metro Transit Police Department (MTPD) and Chief Pamela Smith of Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) joined U.S. Attorney Pirro in making the announcement.
The investigation was conducted by both MTPD and MPD. Assistant U.S. Attorney Nickolas Reck prosecuted the case.
