On August 26, 2017 at approximately 10:52PM a 47 year old male victim was using the ATM located inside the MBTA's Massachusetts Avenue Station. As soon as the victim withdrew money he was immediately set upon by a male, later identified as Kelvin Ortiz, 23, of New Bedford. Ortiz placed the victim into a headlock and forcefully grabbed the money from the victim's hand. The victim attempted to resist and obtain his money back. At this point Ortiz bit the victim's hand breaking his skin. Ortiz then fled out of the station with his ill gotten gains. Transit Police officers quickly responded and conducted an area search based a detailed description provided by the victim.A very observant TPD officer spotted Ortiz on St. Botolph Street walking in a hurried pace. The officer approached and attempted to engage Ortiz in conversation however Ortiz fled. The determined TPD officer gave chase and pursued Ortiz as he ran down West Newton Street onto Huntington Ave and across several lanes of traffic nearly causing accidents. The Officer was finally able to grabbed hold of Ortiz in front of the Cheesecake Factory on Belvidere Street. Ortiz was still clutching the money he stole from the victim in his hand.
The victim positively identified Ortiz as the man who robbed him, bit and assaulted him. Ortiz was placed into custody and transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. During this process it was discovered there were several warrants in existence for Ortiz' arrest issued out of West Roxbury District Court for Malicious Destruction of Property, B&E Building Daytime, Larceny Over 250.00, Possession of Class B Drugs, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, 209A Violation and Unlicensed Operation.
media inquiries should be directed to Superintendent Richard Sullivan at rsullivan@mbta.com
the events listed above are allegations; All defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt
