At about 7:51am, on Monday, January 14, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a sexual assault in progress in the area of Charter Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking along Charter Street when an individual approached her. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. The victim further stated that she fought off the suspect and the suspect, consequently, fled.The suspect is described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, approximately 6’0” in height, short hair, medium build, 25 – 30 years in age, wearing a gray-hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Sexual Assault Unit detectives at (617) 343-4400.
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 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 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.

At about 7:51am, on Monday, January 14, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a sexual assault in progress in the area of Charter Street. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking along Charter Street when an individual approached her. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. The victim further stated that she fought off the suspect and the suspect, consequently, fled.The suspect is described as a light-skinned Hispanic male, approximately 6’0” in height, short hair, medium build, 25 – 30 years in age, wearing a gray-hooded sweatshirt and black pants.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact Sexual Assault Unit detectives at (617) 343-4400.
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 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 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.