A violent incident at Andrew MBTA Station has led to serious charges against a South Boston man. Thomas Digaetano, 42, is facing assault to murder and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, following an altercation on June 4.
Digaetano allegedly attacked another man with what appeared to be a knife, around 4:14 p.m. near the Ellery Street entrance to the station's busway. According to Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden, who detailed the attack in a press release, an MBTA police officer intervened and apprehended Digaetano after a brief chase. The victim, 41, was left with multiple lacerations and admitted to Boston Medical Center for treatment.
Surveillance footage captured the episode, showing Digaetano purportedly engaging in striking motions with the knife-like object, while a second assailant, yet to be apprehended, kicked and punched the victim on the ground. Digaetano, who has an extensive criminal history including charges of possession with intent to distribute and assault and battery, was ordered to be held pending a dangerousness hearing by Judge Roberto Ronquillo, as per the DA's statement.
“This act of violence in the middle of the day in a busy transit station is intolerable and an affront to the many public transportation users who expect and deserve safe, efficient transit. I thank the MBTA police for their quick work in apprehending this suspect and I believe a dangerousness hearing is entirely appropriate given the nature of the attack,” Hayden said. The nature of the attack and Digaetano's 22-page criminal record, which includes five open cases in South Boston, justified the call for a June 11 dangerousness hearing.
An ongoing investigation seeks to locate the second suspect involved in the incident.
