On 5-09-10 Officers from District A-1 (Downtown Boston) responded to 821 Washington Street, the Double Tree Hotel in the Theater District of Boston for a report of an indecent assault.
On arrival, officers spoke to a female victim who reported that she was on the 5th floor of the hotel when she was approached by a male and indecently assaulted by the suspect who fled prior to police arrival. Hotel personnel made an effort to detain him, but were unsuccessful.
The suspect is described as a dark-skinned black male with a clean shaven head, approximately 5’11” with medium build about 35 to 45 years of age. The victim further stated that the suspect may have spoken with an accent. The suspect was further said to have possibly been wearing blue jeans and blue jacket and carrying a backpack.
The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit is currently investigating the above incident and urges anyone with information about this incident to contact them at (617) 343-4400. Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously may do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). Individuals wishing to provide information anonymously are reminded that the Boston Police Department in ONLY interested in the INFORMATION you provide, NOT who YOU are.
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources, please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24 hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371.
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.