South Boston man with lengthy criminal record charged in alleged stabbing at Andrew MBTA station

Lina Portman4 weeks ago

5 1 minute read

A Southie man with a 22-page criminal record has been charged in an alleged stabbing at the Andrew MBTA station.

Thomas Digaetano, 42, was taken into custody pending a dangerousness hearing after being arrested for the alleged assault that occurred earlier this week.

On Tuesday, around 4:14 p.m., an MBTA Transit Police officer reportedly saw two men fighting near the Ellery Street entrance to the Andrew Station train tracks.

When the officer approached, one of the men fled towards Southampton Street. The officer chased the man, later identified as Digaetano, and arrested him not far from the police station.

The alleged victim, aged 41, suffered several lacerations to his head and abdomen. He was transported to Boston Medical Center for treatment.

Surveillance footage shows Digaetano allegedly assaulting the victim with a knife, striking her multiple times in the upper body.

A second suspect, wearing a black t-shirt, beige shorts and a black backpack, kicks and punches the victim while he is on the ground. The second suspect was wanted by the police.

Digaetano has a 22-page criminal record that includes five open cases in South Boston. Some of his recent charges include possession with intent to distribute, battery, theft, strangulation and kidnapping.

“This act of violence in broad daylight at a busy transit station is intolerable and an affront to the many public transportation riders who expect and deserve safe and efficient public transportation,” said Suffolk District Attorney, Kevin Hayden, in a press release.

“I thank the MBTA Police for their quick work in arresting this suspect and believe a dangerousness hearing is entirely appropriate given the nature of the attack,” Hayden added.

Digaetano was charged with assault to the extent of murder, as well as assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Judge Roberto Ronquillo ordered Digaetano detained pending a June 11 dangerousness hearing. Under Massachusetts law, a defendant deemed dangerous by a judge can be held without bail for up to 120 days.