Two arrested after attacks on cab drivers near Wonderland T station

By Melissa M. Werthmann and Sarah N. Mattero, Globe Correspondents

A group of cab drivers came to the aid of a fellow driver who was being assaulted by two men near the Wonderland T station early Tuesday morning, MBTA Transit police said.

Ivan Hernandez, 22, of Dorchester, and Jevaun Jacques, 21, of Mattapan, approached an MBTA employee at about 1:30 a.m. Hernandez and Jacques claimed to be fellow MBTA employees in need of a ride, Transit police said in a statement.

When the MBTA employee refused to give the two men a lift, they allegedly kicked the employee’s vehicle.

Hernandez and Jacques then approached a cab driver parked in the Wonderland cabstand and demanded to be driven to Blue Hill Avenue for a $20 flat rate, Transit police said. The cab driver told the men that the trip would cost $50.

Jacques allegedly punched the cab driver in the head and face through the car’s open window, before a fellow cabbie came to the victim’s aid and tried to pull Jacques off the driver, Transit police said.

Hernandez then allegedly punched the good Samaritan in the head while Jacques bit him on the hand, puncturing the skin.

The second cab driver was thrown to the ground then Hernandez and Jacques proceeded to punch and kick him until an army of cab drivers came to his rescue and broke up the brawl, according to Transit police.

Revere and Transit police arrived at the scene to arrest Hernandez and Jacques.

Both men were arraigned at Chelsea District Court on Tuesday.

Hernandez pleaded not guilty to charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a shod foot), assault and battery on a person 60 or older, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person over 60, and disorderly conduct. He was held on $1,000 bail.

Jacques pleaded not guilty to two counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a shod foot), and one count each of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon on a person 60 or older and aggravated assault and battery. Jacques was held on $2,500 bail.

Both men will return to court on Dec. 14.