Boston Police Investigate Sexual Assault in BrightonThe Boston Police Department is investigating a report of sexual assault on an elderly victim in the area of Harvard Ave and Gardner Street in Brighton. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time or who may have any information on this matter to come forward. The department will increase patrols in the area and are asking community members to increase vigilance.
Incident Description:
Last evening, Boston Police received a report that an elderly woman was beaten and sexually assault in the area of Harvard Ave. and Gardner Street. The incident took place on August 27, 2009 at approximately 5:30am. The victim reported walking in the area when she was approached and assaulted by the suspect described below. Victim also stated that she had seen the suspect in the same area before.
The suspect is described as a white Hispanic male in his twenties about 5’3” male, with a slim build. He has short hair, clean-shaven and spoke poor English. It is also believed that the suspect may have been travelling on a blue scooter.
The Boston Police Department Sexual Assault Unit along with Area D-14 detectives are actively investigating these incidents and urge any and all members of the public who may have seen or heard something or has information relevant to these incidents to contact them at (617) 343-4400. Community members who wish to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers TipLine at 1-800-494-TIPS, or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of all individuals who wish to provide information anonymously.
TIPS FOR ENSURING 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.

Boston Police Investigate Sexual Assault in BrightonThe Boston Police Department is investigating a report of sexual assault on an elderly victim in the area of Harvard Ave and Gardner Street in Brighton. Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the vicinity at the time or who may have any information on this matter to come forward. The department will increase patrols in the area and are asking community members to increase vigilance.
Incident Description:
Last evening, Boston Police received a report that an elderly woman was beaten and sexually assault in the area of Harvard Ave. and Gardner Street. The incident took place on August 27, 2009 at approximately 5:30am. The victim reported walking in the area when she was approached and assaulted by the suspect described below. Victim also stated that she had seen the suspect in the same area before.
The suspect is described as a white Hispanic male in his twenties about 5’3” male, with a slim build. He has short hair, clean-shaven and spoke poor English. It is also believed that the suspect may have been travelling on a blue scooter.
The Boston Police Department Sexual Assault Unit along with Area D-14 detectives are actively investigating these incidents and urge any and all members of the public who may have seen or heard something or has information relevant to these incidents to contact them at (617) 343-4400. Community members who wish to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers TipLine at 1-800-494-TIPS, or texting ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of all individuals who wish to provide information anonymously.
TIPS FOR ENSURING 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.