Arrested Middleborough man asked to wear mask, allegedly assaults conductor on MBTA commuter rail

The mask debate has been a heated one, so much so that it reportedly caused violence on a Massachusetts train.

According to Transit Police, on Wednesday at approximately 5:20 p.m., Transit Police officers assigned to the South District received a radio call to respond to the Braintree MBTA Commuter Rail Station for a report of a male passenger who assaulted a Keolis conductor after he was asked to put a mask on.

Upon arrival, officers were informed by the victim that he requested a man, later identified as Daniel Libby, 40, of Middelborough, to put a mask on. Libby responded with several expletives and refused to place a mask on. It was then alleged that Libby shoved the victim and used his shoulder to force his way into the train.

Officers informed Libby he had to exit the train and furnish his name as the victim wished to pursue assault charges. Libby refused to cooperate with the officers and would not comply with any requests.

Libby was ultimately placed into custody for Assault & Battery on a Public Official and transported to TPD-HQ for the arrest booking process.