BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULTAt about 3:15am, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a sexual assault. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking along Richmond Street near Fulton Street in the North End when an individual approached her. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. The victim further stated that there was a brief struggle at which time the suspect fled.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’8’’-5’10’’ in height, dirty blonde hair, thin medium build, late 20’s, wearing a navy blue or black baseball hat with an unknown logo, a white ribbed tank top, dark colored shorts that came down to his knees and dark colored footwear.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Boston Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
Individuals with information may also contact the 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.
For a sketch of the suspect, please contact Media Relations at 617-343-3420.

BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULTAt about 3:15am, on Wednesday, June 11, 2008, officers from Area A-1 (Downtown) responded to a radio call for a sexual assault. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking along Richmond Street near Fulton Street in the North End when an individual approached her. According to the victim, the suspect grabbed her from behind and sexually assaulted her. The victim further stated that there was a brief struggle at which time the suspect fled.
The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, approximately 5’8’’-5’10’’ in height, dirty blonde hair, thin medium build, late 20’s, wearing a navy blue or black baseball hat with an unknown logo, a white ribbed tank top, dark colored shorts that came down to his knees and dark colored footwear.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact CrimeStoppers at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Boston Police will protect the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.
Individuals with information may also contact the 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.
For a sketch of the suspect, please contact Media Relations at 617-343-3420.