UPDATE: Boston Police Release Sketch and Seek Public’s Help in Identifying Individual Wanted For Two Indecent Assaults in Lower Roxbury

The Boston Police Department is asking community members who may know or recognize the individual portrayed in the attached sketch to help identify him.  The suspect has attacked and indecently assaulted  two women in separate incidents within a 24 hour period.

Anyone who may know or recognize the individual pictured in the sketch is asked to call detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). We will stringently guard and protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.

Incident #1: At approximately 6:45pm, on Monday, November 5, 2012, a 17-year-old female was walking on Camden Street when a man approached her. The suspect engaged her in conversation and then grabbed her around the neck. The victim, who wrestled and screamed during the attack, managed to escape. The suspect fled towards Camden Street. The victim describes the suspect as a Hispanic (possibly Dominican) male in his late teens, 5’7” in height, stocky build, medium complexion with a flat nose and a baby face.

Incident #2: The following evening, on Tuesday, November 6, 2012, at approximately 7:25pm, a teenage female was walking in the area of Camden Street when a man approached her from behind and stated that he had a gun. The suspect attempted to drag the victim to a secluded area but the victim managed to fight him off. The suspect fled from the rear of Camden Street near Shawmut Avenue. The victim describes the suspect as a black non-Hispanic male with a Haitian accent, approximately 25 years of age, 5’6” in height, medium build, wearing a brown top and light blue jeans.

In both cases, the suspect commented on the physical appearance of the victims before or during the attack. Detectives believe the two incidents are related..

Women walking alone in the area should observe the following 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.