BOSTON POLICE SEEK SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECTDNA DETERMINES CONNECTION BETWEEN THREE REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
The Boston Police Department is investigating three reports of sexual assault incidents that have occurred on District A-1/A-15 (Downtown/Charlestown) since August of 2007. A recent DNA finding suggests that the latest incident is connected to two prior reports. Boston Police along with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these incidents.
Incident Descriptions:
• On August 5, 2008 in the early morning hours, a female victim reports being in the area of Boylston Street and Arlington Street when she accepted a ride from an individual. This individual drove her to Charlestown in the Terminal Street area where she reports that she was sexual assaulted. The victim reports that there was a struggle, at which point he fled.
• On November 22, 2007, a female victim was in the area of State Street in the early morning hours. Victim then reports arriving in Charlestown, where she was sexually assaulted. Limited details are available on this incident.
• On August 8, 2007, a female victim reports being in the area of Stuart Street some time in the early morning hours. Victim reports that she accepts a ride from an individual, whom she believed she recognizes. She reports that her vehicle was parked at State Street and Commercial Street. The victim then reports being in the area of Charlestown off Terminal Street, where she was sexually assaulted.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding both incidents. 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 the use of cell phones or headphones.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it 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 that you’re expected at a certain time, so people will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the designated time.
• 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.

BOSTON POLICE SEEK SEXUAL ASSAULT SUSPECTDNA DETERMINES CONNECTION BETWEEN THREE REPORTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT
The Boston Police Department is investigating three reports of sexual assault incidents that have occurred on District A-1/A-15 (Downtown/Charlestown) since August of 2007. A recent DNA finding suggests that the latest incident is connected to two prior reports. Boston Police along with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating these incidents.
Incident Descriptions:
• On August 5, 2008 in the early morning hours, a female victim reports being in the area of Boylston Street and Arlington Street when she accepted a ride from an individual. This individual drove her to Charlestown in the Terminal Street area where she reports that she was sexual assaulted. The victim reports that there was a struggle, at which point he fled.
• On November 22, 2007, a female victim was in the area of State Street in the early morning hours. Victim then reports arriving in Charlestown, where she was sexually assaulted. Limited details are available on this incident.
• On August 8, 2007, a female victim reports being in the area of Stuart Street some time in the early morning hours. Victim reports that she accepts a ride from an individual, whom she believed she recognizes. She reports that her vehicle was parked at State Street and Commercial Street. The victim then reports being in the area of Charlestown off Terminal Street, where she was sexually assaulted.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding both incidents. 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 the use of cell phones or headphones.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it 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 that you’re expected at a certain time, so people will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the designated time.
• 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.