Following an incident aboard a BART train earlier this month, San Francisco's District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that 34-year-old Jovany Portades has been charged with attempted murder. As reported by the SF District Attorney's office, Portades' arraignment was scheduled for today at 1:30 PM in the Hall of Justice. The charge comes alongside allegations that Portades used a deadly weapon, inflicted great bodily injury, and is ineligible for probation.
Portades was taken into custody by BART Police at Fruitvale Station on November 3 after being spotted by an agent who was station alert. This followed the November 2 event where Portades allegedly attacked a female passenger with a knife aboard an Antioch-bound train, causing her life-threatening injuries. Prosecutors have expressed their intent to have Portades detained pending trial, citing the public safety risk he poses.
"Public transit systems must be safe for all passengers," District Attorney Brooke Jenkins asserted, condemning the brutal and unprovoked attack that sent shockwaves through the region. Offering some context to the heinous act, Jenkins emphasized the importance of neighborhood and regional safety and pledged her office's commitment to justice for the victim.
As per Hoodline, Portades was arrested at Fruitvale Station without incident, dressed in a black jacket with an orange liner and a black shirt, had black braided hair in a knot, and a mustache. The suspect's image, captured by BART's extensive surveillance system, was instrumental in the apprehension.
The preliminary inquiry after the stabbing led to a temporary disruption of services between 8:40 and 9:25 AM at the 24th St./Mission station. "The victim, a 54-year-old woman, was reportedly stabbed in an unprovoked assault at around 8:10 a.m.," as the Hoodline report narrates.
As the investigation continues, the public should contact the BART Police Department Tip Line at (510) 464-7000 or at (510)-200-0992 with any relevant information. Individuals can remain anonymous while potentially assisting in the ongoing case.
