3 arrested in stabbing near Park Street T

Two men in their 20s were stabbed near a bustling MBTA station on the Common yesterday as thousands of commuters were making their way home from work, police said.

The stabbing, which was reported at 5:21 p.m., occurred near the Park Street station and prompted officials to halt trains during a search for suspects, according to police Commissioner William B. Evans, who applauded the quick response of his officers.

“They were able to quickly give first aid and apprehend a suspect,” Evans said at the scene. “Within 10 seconds we had two officers right at the corner. They ran over, they found one victim right here stabbed in the back ... there was another individual stabbed by the ranger station who had more serious wounds.”

The more seriously injured victim, who Evans said suffered a stomach wound, was taken to Tufts Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition last night.

The motive for the stabbing remains unclear, Evans said, particularly because one of the victims isn’t talking to police.

“I don’t think this is gang-related,” Evans said. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of kids. Some of them homeless kids ... and we’re looking at who was involved.”

Evans said cops chased “several suspects” into the T station and took three people into custody.

One suspect, Evans said, is being charged with armed assault with intent to murder. The other two, he said, were being questioned and may face charges.