Community Alert: Boston Police Investigate Report of an Assault in East Boston (Please note updated suspect description)

At about 1:07am, on Wednesday, October 24 2012, officers spoke to a woman who stated that she was physically assaulted while walking in the area of Meridian & Lexington Streets in East Boston. According to the victim, she was walking along Meridian Street after exiting the Maverick MBTA Station when a male suspect approached from behind and pushed her to the ground. According to the victim, as she was fighting with the suspect, a Good Samaritan, hearing the commotion from across the street, came to her aid and frightened the suspect off.  The suspect was last seen fleeing the area towards Border Street.

According to the victim, the suspect is described as a dark-skinned Hispanic male with a birth mark on his face (possibly left cheek), stocky build, approximately 5’2” tall, late twenties in age, wearing a black sweater with a white shirt and blue jeans. The victim further states that the suspect spoke to her in Spanish.

Officers promptly broadcast a description of the suspect over the police, however, a search of the area proved unsuccessful. The victim, meantime, refused medical attention.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call District A-7 (East Boston) detectives at (617) 343-4234.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1(800) 494-TIPS or texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.

Personal Safety Tips:

• Don’t assume it can’t happen to you. Crime can happen to anyone at any time.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with a friend whenever possible.
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially, at night.
• Walk with confidence and never let anyone violate your personal space.
• Travel in well-lit and populated areas.
• Carry a cell phone but don’t become distracted while talking on it.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
• Call ahead to your destination to notify loved ones that you’re on your way home. Provide a specific time that you expect to be home by so, in the event you fail to arrive on time, loved ones will know to begin looking for you.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it.
• Yelling “fire,” “help,” or “rape” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
• Trust your instincts. If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant or residence.

*** Please note updated description of the suspect:  Suspect described as a dark skinned Hispanic male, not a black male.