BPDNews.com posted the following report of a woman being attacked on Salem Street in the early morning hours around 3:30 am on Saturday, August 21st. The man attempted to choke the woman before her screams scared him away. There is no word if this assault is connected to previous attacks on woman in the North End. Residents are also invited to the NEWNC Public Safety meeting next week on September 2nd, 6:30pm with the Boston Police at the Nazzaro Center.
Below is the full report from Boston Police:
The Boston Police are investigating a recent report of an assault and battery in the North End. The Boston Police would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens, especially women, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times.
Incident Description:
At about 3:30am, on Saturday, August 21, 2010, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for an assault & battery in progress in the area of 200 Salem Street. On arrival, officers spoke with the victim who stated that she was sitting on the front steps in the area of the above mentioned address when a male (described as a Hispanic male in his mid-twenties, about 5’10” tall, medium build, wearing a white t-shirt and blue jeans) approached her and asked for a light. According to the victim, she and the suspect spoke for about 2 to 3 minutes and then she got up to leave. When she turned her back to go, the victim states that the suspect grabbed her from behind in what she described as a choke hold. At this point, the victim says she began screaming and the suspect let her go and took off on foot.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is urged to contact Area A-1 detectives at (617) 343-4248.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation anonymously can either call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department is only interested in your information, not your identity.
*** NOTE: The Boston Police Department is appealing to local businesses in and around the area of the incident and asking them to provide or make available any private security video that could be useful in this investigation.
TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- When parking, exiting 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 it. Yelling, “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are other 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 in the event of an emergency.
- Call ahead to your destination and alert them that you’re en route. Make sure they expect you at a certain time. If you fail to show up on time, 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 anytime 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.
