A Boston man was arrested Tuesday evening after Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority Transit Police say he sprayed bear repellent inside a Red Line train.
Gregory Gomes, 34, was arrested at the Andrew Square Station on charges of assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon and resisting arrest.
Transit police said officers responded to the station at 6:34 p.m. after receiving a call that a man may have dispersed "an irritant from a can."
When officers arrived, a man later identified as Gomes was laying down on the platform and said to officers, "I accidentally blew it up."
Police said Gomes showed them bear repellent spray in his open backpack.
After interviewing a witness who had been inside the train with Gomes, police said for an unknown reason, Gomes removed the bear repellent spray and dispensed it for a few seconds.
Three people sitting in close proximity to Gomes reportedly suffered respiratory distress and eye irritation. They were treated on the scene by Boston EMS and released.
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After a brief struggle, police said Gomes was placed into custody.
He was expected to be arraigned on the charges Wednesday in Dorchester District Court. It's unclear if he has an attorney.
