On December 27, 2021 at approximately 7PM a group of 6 to 7 juveniles ranging in age from 14 to 16 were at the MBTA's Downtown Crossing station pointing Nerf toy guns at several passengers and engaging in other harassing and intimidating behavior. At this time a 66 year old male victim was entering the fare gates on the Orange Line side when the group of juveniles began shooting projectiles at the victim striking him in his head. The victim exchanged words with the group. The group of juveniles then physically attacked the 66 year old punching him and throwing him against the wall while they continued their vicious assault. After the cowardly assault the group fled and entered into a southbound Red Line train. The victim sustained injuries about his head requiring EMS to transport him to a local area hospital for emergency treatment.
Dedicated Transit Police officers pursued the group ultimately apprehending them outside of the MBTA's JFK-UMass station (where they were causing a ruckus there as well). Based on witness statements/descriptions as well as video surveillance review officers placed 3 male juveniles into custody for Assault & Battery w/a Dangerous Weapon on a Victim Over 60 years of age. The juveniles were then transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process.
(Note: TPD believes this group may have been involved in other unprovoked assaults on the MBTA system earlier. Those matters are still being investigated.)
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
