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| Michael Chadwick |
On January 29, 2018 at approximately 10:44AM two males later identified as Michael Chadwick, 36 and Cormac Paine-O'Brien, 20 both claiming to be homeless were at the MBTA's Back Bay station. Paine-O'Brien fare evaded by piggybacking in behind a paying customer. At this time an MBTA ambassador approached and requested Paine-O'Brien pay his fare. Simultaneously, Chadwick was aggressively going from fare gate to fare gate attempting to force the gate to open so he also could enter without paying. When Chadwick's efforts were rebuffed by the gates he threw he bag to the ground and menacingly proceeded towards the MBTA Ambassador.
A Transit Police officer who was on patrol at Back Bay station heard the commotion and immediately intervened and attempted to calm both subjects to no avail. Both Paine-O'Brien and Chadwick refused to identify themselves and Chadwick continued being disorderly. At this time both subjects were informed they were under arrest. At this time Chadwick violently assaulted the officer, during the struggle Chadwick bit the officer on his head. Ultimately Chadwick was brought under control and placed into custody. Both Paine-O'Brien and Chadwick were transported to Transit Police HQ for the arrest booking process. (Chadwick: Aggravated Assault, Disorderly and Resisting Arrest)
(Paine-O'Brien refusing to identify self after fare evading.)
The officer was transported by Boston EMS to a local area hospital for a laceration to his head as a result of the bite..
Superintendent Richard Sullivan stated " Transit Police officers bravely put their lives on the line everyday to provide the safest system as possible. This was a horrendous unprovoked attack on our officer. We are very grateful, after some time and rest, he will have a full recovery. Speaking on behalf of the Transit Police Department we are extremely proud in the professional manner in which our officer handled the incident. He has our 100% support. We will follow this case to ensure the defendant is held fully accountable for his actions ".
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
