Merrimack Valley

Police search commuter train after report of on-board brawl

By Jim Patten and J.J. Huggins
Staff Writers
Published: June 20, 2008

LAWRENCE — Police with guns drawn boarded a train carrying celebrating Celtics fans home from the parade and rally in Boston following reports there had been a fight on board yesterday afternoon.

According to police the train left North Station in Boston and a fight reportedly broke out as it neared the Merrimack Valley.

Police were called and the train was stopped at the transportation center at South Union and Merrimack streets about 2:10 p.m. where police boarded and searched the cars for those involved in the fight.

Some officers had their guns drawn as they approached the MBTA Commuter Rail train. One officer appeared to be looking under the seats for a suspect, but he didn't find anyone.

Another officer told passengers that police got a call about a fight. There appeared to be no fight though.

The incident delayed the train at the Lawrence station for about five minutes, and then it continued onto Bradford.

The officers allowed the train to leave the station, but were told to return to the station for the next train at 3:45 p.m.

Officers met that train, but there were no reports of any incidents, said Michael Garrihy, assistant to police Chief John Romero.

Police said there were about 1,000 people on each of the trains.