Thursday, February 27, 2014

Maine man bites Transit Officer during arrest.

Reuben Thomas
On February 26, 2014 at approximately 7 pm Transit Police officers working in Area 1 received a radio call for an assault in progress at the Chinatown MBTA station. Upon arrival officers were met by the victim who informed them the male who assaulted him was now standing in the entrance way to the station. The victim further stated he has no prior relationship to the offending male and the assault was unprovoked. Officers approached the assailant, later identified as Rueben Thomas, 32 of Houlton, Maine, who was smoking from a cigarette and impeding the entrance to the station. Upon approach of the officers Thomas immediately became combative and hostile, he refused to comply with any request from the officers and undertook a fighting stance towards the them.

Officers attempted to remove Thomas from the entrance way and a violent struggle ensued during which Thomas bit one of the officers on his neck causing injury. Eventually officers were able to subdue Thomas and place him into custody. Thomas was transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. It is expected Thomas will be arraigned sometime today in Boston Municipal Court-Central Division on various Assault charges.

The officer was transported to a local area hospital for treatment and released.

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The events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.