Malden man, 81, assaulted in Boston’s Downtown Crossing as part of juvenile-based crime wave

Surge of teen-based violence and vandalism causing stepped-up police presence in that section of city

   An elderly Malden man who was enjoying a late-night meal in Boston’s Downtown Crossing shopping hub was assaulted and lost his food when a small group of juveniles attacked him recently.

   The attack was reported as part of an online report detailing a recent surge of teen-based violence and vandalism in one of Boston’s busiest and most visible shopping and dining hubs.

    In this incident, taking place earlier this month, a Malden man, 81, whose identity was withheld, was munching on a hamburger in a Downtown Crossing fast food establishment when he was approached by a group of four juveniles, identified as between 12-14 years old.

    The three girls and a boy entered McDonald’s at 329 Washington St., said nothing, but ripped the hamburger out of his hand, slapped the man on the head and then sprayed whipped cream from a dispenser into his face and on his chest, according to reports.

    Police responded to the scene, according to reports, but though shaken up, the Malden 81-year-old did not require medical attention.

    According to the online report, the same foursome of alleged assailants of the Malden senior showed up at nearby Silvertone Bar and Grill, 69 Bromfield St., where they allegedly requested alcohol but the owner noticed they were clearly underage, just in their early teens.

   The owner asked them to leave when they apparently started shouting a protest slogan and demanding the staff also say it, according to the police report.
After they were escorted out, all the while allegedly screaming a variety of “racial slurs” and spitting at employees and the 15 or so patrons, they allegedly threw a soda bottle at the glass door, along with other things, breaking the glass door, which caused at least $2,000 in damage.

  According to reports, the Downtown Crossing area has seen multiple incidents of assaults both physical and verbal, particularly by young teens ages from 12-14, particularly by female suspects.

  In one other recent incident, four young girls ages 12 and 13 had to be placed into custody after they allegedly kicked, punched and spit at police who were coming to the aid of a 22-year-old woman a group of 10-12 juvenile girls had attacked and beaten. Two of the girl suspects also kicked at and damaged a cruiser while in custody inside.
The incident was reported as a hate crime and the Civil Rights Unit of the police was alerted.
Two days later, police say the same group that attacked the Malden man were seen again at the Black Seed Cafe, 131 Tremont St. There, two took turns punching a female victim because she allegedly refused to buy them ice cream and allegedly used a racial slur in response to their request.
That incident remains under investigation.