MBTA officer assaulted by Harvard Square fare evader

Police arrested a Boston man who they say assaulted a transit officer after the man was issued a citation for entering the subway without paying.

Around 3:30 p.m. on Monday, Boston resident Travis Artist, 36, was observed entering the Harvard Square Station without paying, MBTA police reported. After receiving a citation, Artist was ejected from the station when he created a disturbance.

About 10 minutes later, Artist again entered the station and was told that he would have to leave due to his tumultuous behavior, authorities stated. While an officer was escorting him out of the station, Artist became verbally aggressive, and a struggle ensued.

Artist allegedly struck an officer in the face, causing multiple lacerations and an injury from being stuck by an uncapped needle, officials reported. Artist was eventually subdued with the assistance of a private security guard, and the officer was taken to an area hospital for treatment.

On Tuesday, Artist, who was already facing charges of shoplifting and intimidating a witness in Somerville, was arraigned on charges of assault and battery on a police officer, resisting arrest and trespassing, the Boston Globe reported. His previous bail was revoked, meaning he will be in custody for 90 days.