Boston man charged with groping MBTA bus driver

Prosecutors say the incident was captured on the bus's surveillance video.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 9:11pm

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An extreme close-up of a cracked and scratched MBTA bus window, lit by a harsh, direct flash, conceptually representing the investigation into an alleged assault on a public transit employee.A harsh flash photograph of physical evidence from a reported assault on an MBTA bus driver exposes the vulnerability of public transit workers.Boston Today

A 41-year-old Boston man with a history of violent crimes has been charged with indecent assault and battery, assault and battery on a public employee, and disorderly conduct for allegedly grabbing and groping an MBTA bus driver in March.

Why it matters

Incidents of violence and harassment against public transit workers are concerning, as they play a vital role in transporting people throughout the Boston metro area. This case highlights the need to protect the safety of MBTA employees and passengers.

The details

On March 26, an MBTA bus driver reported that a man, later identified as Michael Vandenbroeke, boarded the bus, picked up a perfume bottle the driver had dropped, and then grabbed the driver's face, poked her eye, placed his hand on her chest, and groped her breast. The driver said she moved Vandenbroeke's hand away and yelled at him before he sat at the back of the bus and got off a few stops later. Prosecutors said the incident was captured on the bus's surveillance video.

  • On March 26, the incident occurred between 11 a.m. and noon.
  • On March 30, Vandenbroeke was arrested at the Nubian Square station.

The players

Michael Vandenbroeke

A 41-year-old Boston resident with multiple convictions for violent crimes dating back to 2005.

Kevin Hayden

The Suffolk District Attorney who announced the charges against Vandenbroeke.

Paul Treseler

The judge who ordered Vandenbroeke held on $500 bail following his arraignment.

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What they’re saying

“The women and men who operate MBTA buses and trains are instrumental in transporting our workers, consumers, visitors and students throughout the metro Boston area day in and day out and they deserve our praise and our gratitude. An incident like this is an intolerable affront on them and on everyone who uses public transportation.”

— Kevin Hayden, Suffolk District Attorney

What’s next

Vandenbroeke is due back in court on April 21 for a pre-trial hearing.

The takeaway

This case highlights the need to protect the safety of MBTA employees and passengers, as incidents of violence and harassment against public transit workers can have a significant impact on the community's ability to rely on this critical transportation service.