BPS janitor charged with beating up three other workers at Mattapan elementary school

A Boston Public Schools janitor with a grudge against two other custodians beat them and a school security officer so badly at the Mildred Avenue K-8 school in Mattapan in October that they all suffered broken bones, the Suffolk County District Attorney's office reports.

Police finally caught up with Gregory Watford, 46, of Brockton this week. He was promptly released on personal recognizance at his arraignment on Tuesday in Dorchester District Court on one count of assault and battery on a person over 60 and three counts of assault and battery causing serious bodily injury, the DA's office reports.

The DA's office provided this account of what happened around 10:45 a.m. on Oct. 10:

The school custodians informed police they were in the front of the school raking leaves when Watford approached them in an aggressive manner. They said Watford began attacking them while stating "you all cost me money."

Watford punched the first victim in the head, causing him to fall to the ground, resulting in a broken ankle and leg. Watford then punched the second victim in the head and threw him to the ground, resulting in a fractured jaw. The school’s safety officer came outside to intervene and de-escalate the situation. Watford then tried to get inside the school building but the safety officer blocked the doorway. Watson then swung at her, hitting her hand and knocking her phone to the ground. Watford then swung the door open, striking the officer in the left shoulder, resulting in a fractured clavicle.

Watford then fled and stayed hidden until BPD found him this week.

Watford made $82,916.92 in regular salary and overtime last year, according to a city salary database.

Innocent, etc.