The Boston Police Department is investigating several incidents that detectives believe may be connected to the same suspect. Officers are asking the community for any information regarding the incidents described below.
On December 8, 2010 at 3:15pm at F St & W 8th St in South Boston, a victim reported that she was approached by a Black male, 5’6”, 16-20 years old, medium build, wearing a black jacket with fur around the hood. The suspect was on a dark-colored bike. The victim reports that the suspect touched her buttocks. The suspect confronted the victim a second time at F St & Tudor St and he touched her buttocks again. The suspect then fled on W 6th St.
On December 6, 2010 at 12:00pm on Columbia Rd & Mt Vernon St in South Boston, a female jogger reported that while jogging in the area of the JFK MBTA station she was approached by a Black male, 5’8”, 25-30 years old, 150 lbs and wearing a black puffy jacket. The suspect was also reported as being on a red mountain bike with knobby tires. The suspect came from behind and touched the victim on the buttocks. The victim was again confronted by the suspect at Dorchester Ave & Sudan St and he attempted to start a conversation with her. The suspect fled on Dorchester Ave towards Columbia Rd.
On December 4, 2010 at 8:27am at the JFK MBTA station a female victim reported to the MBTA police that her handbag was snatched by a Black male, 6’, 20-25 years old, wearing a long black jacket with a hood and riding a red and black bike. This incident is not an indecent assault.
Due to the location and similarity of the descriptions the same suspect may be responsible for these incidents.
Contact Information:
The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit along with District C-6 detectives are currently investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is urged to call (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 is ONLY interested in the INFORMATION you provide, NOT who YOU are.
Safety Tips:
• 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 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 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.