Boston Police are investigating three incidents of attacks on women in the Beacon Hill section of Boston. These sexual assaults have similarities and maybe connected.
All victims were approached from behind. Two of the victims were assaulted while attempting to enter their residence.
1st incident
At about 2:15 PM, Thursday, May 30th, 2013, in the area of Anderson Street, the victim was reaching for her keys in front of her residence, the suspect approached her from behind and groped the victim. The victim yelled for help and the suspect fled on Anderson Street turning left on Phillips Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, early 20’s, about 5’7, thin build, approximately 150lbs, fair skin, dark hair and dark eyes, wearing a black/white flat-brimmed baseball cap, long sleeve black shirt and believed to be wearing shorts and sneakers.
2nd incident
At about 11:28 PM, Friday, May 31st, 2013, in the area of Phillips Street, the victim was on the steps of her residence entering her building, when the suspect approached her from behind and knocked her to the ground. The victim was sexually assaulted. The victim reported the assault lasted seconds before the suspect fled on to Phillips Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, late 20’s to early 30’s, about 5’ 6, medium build, with wavy or shaggy hair over his ears, light complexion, wearing a blue hoodie and dark pants.
3rd incident
At about 11:30 PM, Friday, May 31st, 2013, in the area of Garden Street approaching Phillips Street, the victim observed the suspect on the sidewalk and after passing him on the street the suspect approached her from behind. The victim turned and confronted the suspect who groped her and fled right on to Phillips Street.
The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25 year old, 5’9, medium to thin build, approximately 165lbs, wearing a black knit cap, dark colored t-shirt, baseball shorts, and dark chin length hair.
Boston Police have increased patrols in the area and encourage citizens to contact 911 if they observe any suspicious persons in the area.
Personal Safety Tips:
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
• When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
• Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance.
• Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know enough to begin looking for you.
• Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at any time can be a victim of crime. Don’t assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources please contact: Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline @ 1 (800) 841-8371.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call District A-1 (Downtown) detectives at 617-343-4248 or Sexual Assault Unit 617-343-4400.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.
Scary. Hope you catch him quick, cause otherwise this is just practice for him. They don’t quit, they just get better at it.