An unpaid Metro fare that escalated into the stabbing of a transit officer is at the center of a trial before D.C. Superior Court Judge Roberto Salerno underway on July 30.
Erik Schleehauf, 43, is charged with assault on a Metro Transit Police officer while armed, assault with a dangerous weapon, and assault with significant bodily injury for his alleged involvement in a stabbing incident with a nail that occurred on April 15 at the Navy Yard Metro on the 1100 block of New Jersey Avenue, SE.
According to court documents the officer was stabbed in the face with a five inch long nail.
Defense attorney Amanda Epstein pressed the officer about the legality of demanding Schleehauf’s ID at a Metro stop after a disputed fare payment. She noted the law only requires a suspect to provide their name. The officer claimed he routinely asks for ID because suspects often lie about their identity.
Epstein emphasized that the defendant didn’t have any conventional weapons. The sergeant testified that he initially believed he had been punched, not struck with an object, and didn’t report feelings of numbness or report a visible injury to anyone at the scene. He only reported injuries to another officer and a doctor later at the hospital.
Prosecutors countered by underscoring the victim’s extensive experience and stated he followed standard de-escalation protocols, using force only after Schleehauf became non-compliant and aggressive.
The prosecution called a physician assistant from an urgent care clinic in Maryland, who treated the officer for facial numbness weeks after the incident.
She confirmed the presence of scar tissue and prescribed medication but acknowledged under cross-examination that her evaluation was based solely on the officer’s self-reported symptoms and she did not observe any internal puncture wounds or internal scarring.
Outside the jury’s presence, the prosecution’s attempt to introduce a video of Schleehauf cursing at police during transport to the hospital was rejected by the court.
Epstein filed a motion for judgment of acquittal, and argued that the prosecution failed to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, asserting the victim initiated physical contact and used excessive force. The prosecution argued the response was reasonable and followed protocol.
The acquittal morion was denied.
The defense called a physician from GW Medical Faculty Associates who treated Schleehauf and the officer the day of the incident. The doctor said Schleehauf was in pain, experienced swelling and a number of cuts that required stitches but didn’t request any painkillers. Images of the injuries were shown to the jury.
According to the doctor, the officer didn’t find any significant issues in the officer’s mouth and he didn’t ask for pain relief.
During closing arguments prosecutors maintained Schleehauf, “cannot stab a law enforcement officer” for being pepper sprayed.
The prosecution says that the officer was simply trying to do his job, asking Schleehauf “Sir can I help you?” and asking for an ID after Schleehauf opened an emergency exit.
In surveillance video, Schleehauf apparently ignored the officer on the escalator. Then things escalated when they had reached the top with the officer pepper spraying Schleehauf and the defendant allegedly swinging at the victim.
The prosecutor argued Schleehauf’s could have avoided the conflict but Epstein claimed the officer “was mad that someone would dare ignore him.”
Epstein’s contended the officer acted beyond his authority and “when officers act this way it makes sense why we have laws to protect us.”
Epstein said this all started simply because Schleehauf didn’t pay his train fare–something that happens everyday escalated into the use of excessive force by the officer who could have diffused the situation..
Epstein said Schleehauf acted in self defense. She lastly added that the jury has the last word and she is asking for two words for Schleehauf and they are “not guilty.”
Parties are slated to meet July 31.
