Crime

Woman who allegedly shoved older rider off bus has been arrested

Transit Police previously said the woman had an infant with her when she “violently shoved” an older passenger off a bus in Roxbury.

The suspect. MBTA Transit Police

updated on September 19, 2025

2 minutes to read

Authorities have identified and arrested a woman who allegedly shoved an older passenger off an MBTA bus in Boston last week.

Luz Pineda, 32, of Boston, pleaded not guilty Thursday to a charge of assault and battery on an elderly person causing injury. Reached by phone, her defense attorney declined to comment on the case.

The MBTA Transit Police announced Pineda’s arrest Wednesday, just days after asking the public for help identifying a suspect in the alleged assault.

The incident happened around 1 p.m. Sept. 8 while the bus was stopped near the intersection of Martin Luther King Boulevard and Warren Street in Roxbury. Transit Police previously said Pineda had an infant with her when she “violently shoved” an older rider.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office said Pineda got into a verbal argument with the 63-year-old woman after the older passenger didn’t get off the bus to let Pineda out. Prosecutors allege the argument soon turned physical.

Cellphone and surveillance footage published by WCVB and Boston 25 News showed the injured rider falling to the pavement and laying sprawled on the sidewalk. The DA’s office said the injured rider had a cut on the outer corner of her left eye and blood coming from her head.

In the aftermath, according to prosecutors, Pineda changed her clothes and hairstyle to avoid identification.

“Our public transportation system is a core component of our civic structure and our economy,” Suffolk DA Kevin Hayden said in a statement. “Incidents like this not only endanger the immediate victims. They hurt us all. I’m grateful for the quick work by transit police and help from the public to identify and arrest this defendant.”

MBTA General Manager Phil Eng also weighed in on Wednesday’s arrest.

“Safety will always be at the forefront of everything we do, and I’m proud of the prompt response and investigation by the MBTA Transit Police that led to the arrest of this individual,” Eng said in a statement. “The public deserves a safe transportation system, and I want them to know that this conduct will not be tolerated anywhere on our system.”

He praised Transit Police, noting officers were able to “quickly identify the suspect, leading to her swift apprehension as we now press charges.” Eng also thanked the bus driver for notifying authorities and ensuring the injured rider received medical care and police assistance.

“I’m also deeply appreciative to our riders and members of the community who stepped up and helped Transit Police identify this person,” he added.

Pineda was ordered held on $5,000 bail and is due back in court Oct. 3.