A woman was fatally stabbed Monday on a Metro B Line train at the Universal City Station in Studio City, and a suspect was arrested.
The woman was stabbed around 5 a.m. and exited the train at the station in the 3900 block of Lankershim Boulevard, authorities said. Los Angeles Fire Department paramedics took the woman to a hospital, where she died.
The suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Elliot Tramel Nowden, was arrested about 30 minutes later near Ventura Boulevard and Vineland Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. He was booked on suspicion of murder and was being held in lieu of $2 million bail.
Police said the stabbing appeared to be a completely unprovoked attack.
The victim was not immediately identified.
“Shortly before 5 a.m., a female patron on the Metro B Line was stabbed as she was exiting the train at the Universal City Station,” Metro’s Dave Sotero said in a statement.
“Metro contract security began rendering aid until medical personnel arrived. The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to the scene and the victim was transported to a local hospital where, unfortunately, she succumbed to her injuries,” Sotero said. “Metro extends its condolences to her family and friends.”
The Studio City station — which is often used by people visiting nearby Universal Studios Hollywood — was closed down during the investigation, meaning trains were not stopping at the location, and buses were used to shuttle passengers through the area. Metro reported early Monday afternoon that the station had been reopened.
Police said they “strongly believe” Nowden may have victimized other people, and they urged anyone who believe they were targeted by him to come forward. Anyone who believes they were victimized or has information about the stabbing was urged to call 877-LAPD-247 or Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS.