A woman was the victim of an indecent assault by a man, who was later arrested after a chase and a struggle with transit police, authorities said. The incident occurred yesterday just before midnight on the MBTA system, where officers of the Transit Police Department (TPD) heard a disturbance and headed towards the scene. According to the MBTA Transit PD's X account, a male suspect was involved in the assault and promptly fled the area.

 

5/7 11PM #MBTA DTC TPD offs heard a disturbance &went in that direction. A male Indecently Assaulted a woman & fled. TPD offs pursued/apprehended SP where a struggle ensued. SP was overcome & placed into custody/transported to TPDHQ. SP has other open cases for sexual assault.

— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) May 8, 2024

 

Officers pursued the suspect and were able to apprehend him following a brief chase; however, a struggle ensued before the man was finally subdued and taken into custody, as detailed in the report by the MBTA. The suspect was overcome following the scuffle and placed in custody, then transported to TPD Headquarters. It was also revealed that the suspect has several other open cases for sexual assault. The identity of the man has not yet been released pending further investigation.

The safety of passengers on the MBTA system has been an ongoing concern, with this latest incident raising further questions about the security measures and protocols in place to protect riders. The woman assaulted in the incident was offered assistance and support following the ordeal, authorities said.

After the assault and the suspect's arrest, community members are questioning the effectiveness of preventative measures on public transit. The suspect's history of sexual assault cases raises doubts about the system's ability to prevent repeat offenses. Updates on the case and legal proceedings are anticipated as the investigation continues.