UPDATE: Man claiming to have AIDS accused of brandishing a blood-filled needle

A man claiming to have the AIDS virus is accused of sticking a hypodermic needle in his arm and using it to threaten two young men at the Forest Hills station in Jamaica Plain yesterday.

Jose Soler, 47, of Hyde Park was arraigned today in West
Roxbury Court on two counts of armed robbery and assault with a hypodermic needle, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney.

Assistant District Attorney Lindsey Weinstein requested $7,500 bail, however Judge Robert J. McKenna set bail at $2,500.

Soler is due back in court for a probable cause hearing on Oct. 2.

The victims, who are both under 21, are believed to have given Soler $25 to buy them alcohol around 1:30 p.m.

Soler allegedly did not hold up his end of the bargain, and brandished the needle when the victims asked for their money back.

According to police, Soler entered the Forest Hills Liquor Market across the street from the station and returned empty handed. When the victims demanded their money back, Soler refused and returned only $3.

“An argument ensued where upon Soler retrieved a hypodermic needle from his shorts, removed the cap and stuck the needle into his arm withdrawing blood. Soler then threatened the victims by brandishing the needle in their direction and indicated (that) he was infected with the AIDS virus,” transit police said in a statement.

The victims found officers at the Forest Hills station to report the incident, police said.