BOSTON POLICE INVESTIGATE REPORT OF SEXUAL ASSAULT IN THE FENWAY SECTION OF THE CITY
The Boston Police Department is investigating a report of a sexual assault on a female victim early this morning at about 12:30am, on Saturday, October 24, 2009 in the Fenway or Fens section of the city.
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:
At about 12:30am, on Saturday, October 24, 2009, officers from Area D-4 (South End) responded to a radio call related to a sexual assault that had taken place in the area of Agassiz Road in the Fens section of the city. Officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was walking home in the area of Agassiz Road when three males (1 Hispanic and 2 black) approached her. Victim says as she was walking by them, one of the suspects stepped in front of her and began talking to her. According the victim, as she attempted to ignore and get by them, one of the suspects knocked her to ground and dragged her into the brush. Once in the brush, the victim says the suspect, herein referred to a suspect #1, sexually assaulted her.
Suspect #1 is described as a white Hispanic male, early 20\’s, about 5’8” wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans.
Suspect #2 is described as a black male in his early 20’s wearing a zipped up hoodie and dark jeans.
Suspect #3 is described as a black male in his early 20’s.
According to the victim, all three suspects were wearing backpacks. After the assault, the victim says all three suspects fled on foot in the direction of Park Drive.
The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone who may have seen or heard something or has information relevant to this incident is urged and encouraged to contact the Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400.
Community members who wish to provide information anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line 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. Never 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.