Suspect Arrested for Stabbing Passenger at San Leandro BART Station
SAN LEANDRO — Authorities arrested a man for allegedly stabbing a passenger at the San Leandro BART station. The incident happened on December 16 shortly before midnight when BART closes during overnight hours.
Bay Area Rapid Transit police officers responded to a call about a fight at the station outside the fare gates. But it turned out to be the latest of a recent series of stabbings and violent attacks on BART.
What is believed to have started out as a robbery turned into a violent confrontation. During a fight the victim was stabbed in his leg and he sustained serious injuries. The victim was transported to a hospital and received medical treatment. His injuries were non-life threatening.
The suspect identified as LBJ Miles Vaafuti, 22 of San Francisco, was located and detained near the BART station. A knife suspected of being used during the attack was recovered as evidence. Although he was also arrested on suspicion of robbery, Vaafuti was subsequently only charged for the violent assault.
The suspect was booked into Alameda County’s detention facility located in Dublin. He remains housed at Santa Rita Jail in lieu of $240,000 bond.
Vaafuti faces five separate felony charges, including special enhanced allegations. Four charges pertain to assault with a deadly weapon causing great bodily injury. In addition, Vaafuti is charged with vandalism causing more than $400 in damage.
He was scheduled to appear for arraignment at Alameda County Superior Court on December 18.
