At approximately 4:50AM on 5/20/10, officers from District D-4 (Back Bay, South End) responded to an apartment building in the Back Bay section of Boston for an assault.

On arrival, officers spoke to a victim who reported to officers that when she was walking into the vestibule of her building she noticed a male who entered at the same time. The victim reported that a short time later as she approached her apartment, the same male appeared from behind and engaged her in a short conversation. 

As the victim attempted to enter her apartment, the suspect forced his way in and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim and the suspect engaged in a struggle during which she successfully fought off the suspect and the suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Suspect Description:

Sex: Male

Race: Black Non-Hispanic

Eyes: Brown (Possibly Wearing Rimless Glasses)

Hair: Crew Cut with Black Hair

Age: 22 to 27 years of Age

Height: 6’0” to 6’3”

Build: Slim Build

Clothing: The suspect was last seen wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and dark colored pants.

• ·        The suspect is also described as being well spoken.

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.

At approximately 4:50AM on 5/20/10, officers from District D-4 (Back Bay, South End) responded to an apartment building in the Back Bay section of Boston for an assault.

On arrival, officers spoke to a victim who reported to officers that when she was walking into the vestibule of her building she noticed a male who entered at the same time. The victim reported that a short time later as she approached her apartment, the same male appeared from behind and engaged her in a short conversation. 

As the victim attempted to enter her apartment, the suspect forced his way in and attempted to sexually assault her. The victim and the suspect engaged in a struggle during which she successfully fought off the suspect and the suspect fled the scene prior to police arrival.

Suspect Description:

Sex: Male

Race: Black Non-Hispanic

Eyes: Brown (Possibly Wearing Rimless Glasses)

Hair: Crew Cut with Black Hair

Age: 22 to 27 years of Age

Height: 6’0” to 6’3”

Build: Slim Build

Clothing: The suspect was last seen wearing a dark blue hooded sweatshirt and dark colored pants.

• ·        The suspect is also described as being well spoken.

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.