An 18-year-old from Roxbury has been formally charged in connection to a group robbery and assault that took place on the MBTA's Orange Line, as per an announcement from Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden. The individual in question, Mannice Mitchner, faced arraignment in BMC Central, carrying charges that include unarmed robbery, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, and disorderly conduct on a public conveyance, according to the Suffolk District Attorney's Office.
Judge Richard Sinnott took the step to revoke bail for the accused due to open cases across various jurisdictions that involve breaking and entering, among other charges. Mitchner has been instructed to maintain a distance from both the victim and all MBTA stations and is expected to return to court on January 22 for a probable cause hearing. It's alleged that he participated in the robbery, going as far as to record the attack and kicking the victim in the head, as captured on MBTA security footage.
The December 15 incident described by the District Attorney's Office involved a group of seven teens who boarded the train at Downtown Crossing, initiating a confrontation with an 18-year-old passenger. MBTA security footage reveals the group surrounding and then assaulting the victim, employing punches and kicks before robbing him of personal items such as shoes and a phone. Out of the seven involved, two teens refrained from engaging physically with the victim, who reported not knowing any of his assailants.
In the follow-up to the assault, transit police promptly identified two of the juveniles involved, who were familiar to the authorities. "This was a frightening experience for this young man and for all the riders who witnessed it," Hayden proclaimed. He emphasized the effectiveness of the surveillance system in apprehending those responsible, declaring, "surveillance cameras are in place throughout the system and you will be seen and caught." To date, three juveniles, alongside Mitchner, have been arrested, with comprehensive action taken to ensure swift justice in response to the harrowing event shared by witnesses that day.
While all individuals charged in this case remain innocent until proven guilty, the incident has brought forth a stark reminder of the potential dangers present within public transit systems and the vigilance required to keep such spaces safe for all. Further proceedings and arraignments in this case are forthcoming.
