Man Committed "Lewd Act" On Red Line Train After Undressing: Police

BOSTON — Transit police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man who they say took off his clothes, laid down, and began to commit a "lewd act" in front of passengers on a moving Red Line train in Boston last week.

Police say the man boarded a train at Ashmont Station just before 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 21. According to the Transit Police Department, the man then "took off his shoes, pants, and underwear, laid down, and began to commit a lewd act."

Transit police released a photo a passenger took of the man, along with surveillance images of him before boarding.

Pictures show a dark-skinned adult with facial hair, wearing black sweatpants, a grey hooded sweatshirt, a black beanie, and grey New Balance sneakers. The hood of his sweatshirt said "RARE."

Transit police are calling it an "open and gross investigation." Under Massachusetts state law, lewd behavior falls under "disorderly conduct," a potential misdemeanor charge. Massachusetts also considers indecent exposure a misdemeanor, unless it is an aggravated act that rises to the level of "open and gross lewdness."

Anyone with information about the whereabouts or identity of the suspect is asked to call Transit Police at 617-222-1050.