Man punched woman who said 'excuse me' at Downtown Crossing, MBTA police say
BOSTON – MBTA Transit Police are looking for a man who they say punched a woman without provocation on Tuesday.
It happened around 2 p.m. in the concourse at the Downtown Crossing station. According to police, the 62-year-old woman walked by the suspect and said "excuse me." He then punched her.
Wednesday evening, three pairs of MBTA Police walked the underground concourse between Park Street and Downtown Crossing, hoping to spot the suspect. Several T riders said he looked like a familiar face.
2/7 2PM this subject with a closed fist struck a 62 y/o woman w/out provocation or warning. #MBTA Downtown Xing concourse. The victim simply passed by & stated "excuse me". Recognize him ? Please contact us w/any info you have. 617-222-1050 or SeeSay app. Help us ID him !! TY pic.twitter.com/3WPKAVZwjx
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) February 8, 2023
Some riders on the MBTA admitted to some concern about what happened, but others said they felt safe riding the T.
"I'm not shocked, to be honest," said Edie Benedict, who said she and her female friends carry pepper spray. "I know those kinds of things happen around here.
"My fear increases, seeing something like that on the news, especially coming down here like once in a Blue Moon. You never know who's down here or what's going to happen," said Emily Lennon.
However, many riders said they feel safe riding the T.
"I know this subway backwards and forwards," said Diane Cohen. "I'm really not afraid with walk it."
"I've never really had any issues, none of my friends have. You do hear about some bad people sometimes, but you're in a city, it's bound to happen, right?" said Diego Pujols.
Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call (617) 222-1050.