BOSTON — A frightening scene unfolded at MBTA’s Ruggles Station this week when Transit Police say a “suicidal female” jumped down into the track area and sat on the third rail — forcing a shutdown of service as officers rushed in.

In a post on X, MBTA Transit Police said the incident happened 1/22 at 3:00 PM at Ruggles Station, where “all service stopped” while “several TPD officers responded to help the woman in distress.”

1/22 3PM #MBTA Ruggles Station a suicidal female jumped into the pit & sat on the 3rd rail. All service stopped & several TPD officers responded to help the woman in distress. While removing her she turned violent biting spitting on & kicking the officers. TPD true professionals!— MBTA Transit Police (@MBTATransitPD) January 23, 2026

But the situation reportedly escalated fast.

Transit Police said that as officers removed her from the pit, she “turned violent,” allegedly biting, spitting on, and kicking officers during the struggle.

No further details were provided about the woman’s condition or whether charges will be filed. Transit Police praised their responding officers, calling them “true professionals.”

If you or someone you know is struggling, you can call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) for free, 24/7 support.