On March 14, 2022 at approximately 1AM Transit Police officers assigned to the Central District received a radio call to respond to the MBTA's Andrew Sq. Station for a report of a male armed with a knife. Upon arrival officers were met by a MBTA employee who informed the officers a male threatened him with a knife after he had requested the male exit the station. The officers approached the male, later identified as Joseph Gemelli, 32, of Newton to ascertain what his issue was. During this encounter officers discovered there were several warrants in existence for Gemelli's arrest for Receiving Stolen Property, Vandalize Property, Larceny Over 1,200.00, Threats to Commit a Crime, Possession of a Class A & B Substance and Distribution of a Class A Substance. Gemelli was placed into custody and transported to TPD HQ for the arrest booking process. In addition to the knife Gemelli had affixed to his waistband officers located a hatchet in his backpack.
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
