Chaos descended on Haymarket MBTA station when transit police had to tackle a male suspect allegedly harassing passengers with his two pet rats in tow – an episode that led to the man's arrest on a plethora of warrants, including failure to register as a sex offender and making threats.
The bizarre incident, which unfolded on January 14 at around 7 p.m., was reported by the MBTA Transit Police on X. According to their post, the transit authorities were called to the scene after receiving complaints about the male's disruptive behavior. Upon arrival, the transit officers discovered the individual was wanted on "numerous warrants-Failure to Reg Sex Offender, Disorderly/Threats." The transit police swiftly took the subject into custody, and his two rodents – named "Tom" and "Jerry" – were handed over to Animal Control, the transit authority stated.
1/14 7PM #MBTA Haymarket. TPD offs respond for a male harassing other passengers w/his 2 pet rats. The subject had numerous warrants-Failure to Reg Sex Offender, Disorderly/Threats. Subj placed into custody his 2 rats "Tom/Jerry" turned over to AC. Subject well known to TPD. pic.twitter.com/zwfmhKLbFE
— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) January 15, 2024
Pictures from the scene showed the critters being held by officers before they were turned over to animal services. Commuters were reportedly unsettled by the presence of the rats, as well as the man's aggressive demeanor. This isn't the first time the man has crossed paths with the transit police.
Information provided by the MBTA Transit Police did not detail the nature of the harassment or the specific threats allegedly made by the suspect. MBTA officials have yet to release additional details about the incident but affirmed the importance of sustainable safety measures and vigilance within the transit system for the welfare of all its passengers, and the creatures that inadvertently journey with them.
