MBTA Trolley Operator Attacked By Man In Halloween Mask

MATTAPAN (CBS) -- A man wearing a Halloween costume dragged an MBTA trolley operator out of his trolley and beat him on the train platform, an MBTA spokesperson said Sunday morning.

The attack happened at Cedar Grove Station on the Mattapan Line around 12:20 a.m. Sunday. Police have not yet made an arrest.

The 45-year-old trolley operator, who has been with the MBTA for 18 months, told police the man was wearing a Halloween costume complete with a mask and told him he didn't have money for the fare.

Then, the driver told police, the man punched him in the head and dragged him onto the train platform, where he continued to beat him.

Trolley riders and area residents were saddened by the news.

"It's pretty tragic, I think, but unfortunately not so surprising," said rider John Boylan.

"Why would you do that? I mean, that's just ridiculous, you don't have the money so you hurt people because you don't have the money? That doesn't even make sense, " Dorchester resident Lakeisha Williams said.

The attacker fled after two high school girls who were passengers on the trolley called for help.

The MBTA said the operator, who had been working as a driver for 18 months, was taken to Carney Hospital and released later Sunday morning.

On Sunday afternoon, Gov. Charlie Baker issued a statement about the attack.

"Such a vicious and senseless violent attack on a public employee is unconscionable and intolerable and our thoughts and prayers are with the driver as he recovers," Gov. Baker said in the statement. "Transit Police will continue to investigate and work to find the individual responsible, who will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

MBTA Transit Police are asking anyone with information about the attack to contact them.