Ex-MBTA Officer Investigated For Excessive Force On Job

BOSTON — Suffolk County District Attorney Rachael Rollins has opened a criminal investigation into a former MBTA officer who is accused of using excessive force.

During an April 28 encounter with a homeless man at Forest hills, then-MBTA Officer Nicholas Morrissey dragged the 63-year-old man on the busway and held him there, face down, with a knee on his back and head pushed into the pavement for 20 seconds before dragging him out of the bus lane, according to Rollins' office.

Morrissey said the man, who was known to transit authorities, had lost his balance while trying to spit at the officer, and when Morrissey tried to redirect the man, he fell through the bus door and hit his head on the ground.

Rollins' office said Morrissey's account does not match up with video.

Morrissey was placed on administrative leave

"Although it is unusual for my office to comment on ongoing investigations, the behaviors of law enforcement personnel must be held to a higher standard and require transparency,"Rollins said in a news release.

Morrissey resigned before he faced potential disciplinary action. His supervisor has been placed on administrative leave.

"I want to thank and highly commend the leadership of the MBTA Police for bringing this matter to my office," Rollins said. "Without their coming forward, we would not have been made aware of Morrissey’s concerning behavior. This typeof leadership by law enforcement management must be commended and should be emulated."