The Thursday commute near Puyallup Station turned tense when a rider allegedly pulled out a handgun on a Sound Transit train, forcing everyone in the car to get off, according to authorities. Transit staff ordered passengers to evacuate the car, and responding officers later took the man into custody. No injuries were reported.
Police and court filings identify the suspect as Jaxsyn Joseph Valenzuela and say he pulled a black handgun on train No. 323 while drinking and acting erratically, which led a transit security officer to clear the car, according to KING 5. Officers later found a Glock 44 concealed in Valenzuela’s waistband with an inserted 10-round magazine and eight other live rounds nearby. When an officer pulled back the slide, a live .22-caliber round ejected from the chamber, court papers say. Investigators also recovered a small bag containing a white, chalky substance that field-tested presumptively positive for MDMA, and Valenzuela told police he had “molly” on him, according to the filings.
Where it happened
Puyallup Station, at 131 W Main Ave, serves the Sounder S Line and is listed with more than 1,000 parking spaces and a 24/7 security contact for riders, according to Sound Transit. The train continued to the Stewart platform, where officers boarded and took the suspect into custody. Police said service disruptions followed for a short time before trains returned to normal operations.
Charges and the law
Pierce County prosecutors have charged Valenzuela with first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, unlawful transit conduct, and unlawful possession of a controlled substance, court documents show. Under Washington law, “unlawful transit conduct” covers disruptive or dangerous behavior on transit vehicles and at stations and is classified as a misdemeanor; see RCW 9.91.025 for the statute. Prosecutors also note in the charging papers that Valenzuela has three prior felony convictions, including second-degree assault and a drive-by shooting.
Transit security and response
The arrest comes as Sound Transit has been expanding visible security and de-escalation training, with local reporting showing agencies boosting patrols and security staffing after a series of violent incidents, according to KIRO 7. Riders described the cleared car as frightening but said there were no injuries and that normal service resumed after a brief delay. Transit agencies continue to urge passengers to report suspicious or threatening behavior so staff and officers can step in quickly.
Valenzuela was booked into the Pierce County Jail and remains in custody while prosecutors review the case. Police said he showed signs of intoxication, including the smell of alcohol, slurred speech, and difficulty keeping his balance. Investigators are still reviewing surveillance video and witness statements, and anyone with additional information is asked to contact local law enforcement.
