Boston, August 17, 2014, /bpdnews.com/ — At about 7:50 PM on Thursday, August 14, 2014, officers assigned to District D-14 (Brighton) responded to a report of an indecent assault and battery in the area of 39 Brighton Avenue in Brighton. Upon arrival, officers were met by a female victim who reported she had been sexually assaulted by a male suspect. The suspect fled the area on Gardner Street toward Harvard Avenue prior to police arrival.
Approximately 40 minutes later, at about 8:30 PM on the same date, officers from District D-14 responded to the area of Quint and Brighton Avenues for a second report of an indecent assault and battery. Officers were met by a second female victim who reported she was sexually assaulted by a male suspect. The victim reported that the suspect fled the area on Quint Avenue towards Glenville Avenue prior to police arrival.
Both victims described the suspect as follows:
- White, non-Hispanic male
- Late 30’s to early 40’s
- Approximately 5’8” tall
- Slim build
- Short brown hair
- Possibly balding
Due to the close proximity of the incidents in time and location, as well as the similar suspect descriptions, detectives are investigating the possibility that these incidents are related.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Sexual Assault Unit detectives at 617-343-4400.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling CrimeStoppers Tip Line 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.
TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:
- 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 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.
- 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.