BOSTON — Five juveniles attacked a woman at an MBTA station Thursday afternoon, dumping her bag of groceries and hurling food in her face in a random assault, law enforcement officials said.
Officers responding to a report of an incident at Broadway Station in Boston around 4 p.m. found a woman suffering from facial injuries, according to the Transit Police Department.
Police say the juveniles in question approached the victim, dumped her grocery bags on the ground, and then started throwing items that she had purchased at her face and head.
The woman was taken to a local hospital. There was no word on the severity of her injuries.
The suspects, who haven’t been identified, are said to have fled the scene following the incident.
Juan Castro was on the platform of the South Broadway T station Thursday afternoon around 4 pm.
“I see people attacking and all the food is on the floor so the police quickly come. Like a couple of seconds,” said Castro.
Castrol told Boston 25 News he saw the juveniles throwing items at the woman.
“Yes, on the floor. All the food.”
MBTA Transit Police Superintendent Richard Sullivan says their most serious crimes are down 16 percent from this time last year but says, “we are having challenges this year with our young people and youth disorder. We have taken a holistic approach in addressing the youth disorder issue. We have taken a holistic approach in addressing the youth disorder issue. We consult and engage with our partners, stakeholders and other community groups relative to juvenile crime. When appropriate we do make arrests,” Sullivan explained in an email.
Transit Police say, “we are transparent and report on incidents, so our riding public has situational awareness. We are committed to maintaining a safe commuting environment and we will always be flexible as the needs of the MBTA system require,” Sullivan wrote.
Transit police say, like other law enforcement agencies, they are dealing with staffing shortages. But they say they are still able to do their full patrols and not put anyone at risk.
Anyone with information regarding is urged to contact Transit police detectives.
An investigation is ongoing.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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