The MBTA Transit Police Department is on the lookout for an individual involved in a firearm violation. According to a post from the department, this person of interest was caught on camera allegedly boarding the #MBTA Route 23 bus near Ruggles Station on July 29 around 1:30 AM, carrying a loaded firearm with an obliterated serial number. They claim the suspect fell asleep on the bus and later exited, inadvertently leaving the gun behind.

 

ID Sought re: Firearm violation investigation: 7/29 130AM #MBTA RT23 bus in vicinity of Ruggles Sta. We allege this person of interest entered bus carrying a fully loaded firearm w/obliterated serial#. SP fell asleep & exited forgetting gun on bus. Recognize him? 617-222-1050. pic.twitter.com/uXHKpa6Hau

— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) August 2, 2024

 

In an appeal to the public for assistance, the MBTA police have released the surveillance image of the suspect and are asking anyone who may recognize him to step forward. While settling into slumber on public transit, it isn't every day that a loaded gun gets forgotten on a bus seat, underscoring the gravity of the situation. The authorities insist on the importance of identifying the individual in question to ensure public safety and adherence to the law.

Authorities have not specified how the firearm was discovered or who found it, but they express serious concerns related to this oversight. A weapon with a serial number that can't be read complicates traceability and, by extension, accountability. It is a direct violation of state and federal laws to possess a firearm with an altered or destroyed serial number. By contacting the MBTA Transit Police at 617-222-1050, witnesses could aid in the ongoing investigation.

The MBTA and local law enforcement are urging anyone with information about the man captured by their cameras to come forward in an effort to prevent such occurrences and to maintain the safety of commuters.