Community Alert: Boston Police Investigating Report of a Sexual Assault in Roxbury

Police Seek Public’s Help in Effort to Identify Suspect

 

At about 10:20am, on Thursday, September 13, 2012 the victim tells detectives while in the area of Massachusetts Avenue and Shirley Street she was approached by the suspect.  He allegedly engaged the victim in conversation.  A short time later the suspect forced the victim to the rear of a building and where she was sexually assaulted.

The victim described her attacker as a black male, 5 feet 6 inches tall, 35 to 40 years of age, medium build, wearing a pink shirt with a white design on it, blue jeans and brown shoes.  The suspect has short black hair with a black goatee approximately an inch in length from the bottom of his face.

The suspect fled on Massachusetts Avenue towards Melnea Cass Boulevard.

Community members looking to assist this investigation are encouraged to contact 617-343-4400, the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

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.

Personal 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 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 any time 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.