UPDATE: Boston Police Release New Video of Suspect Wanted in Connection with a Sexual Assault in the area of Joy & Myrtle Streets
UPDATE: Boston Police Release New Video of Suspect Wanted in Connection with a Sexual Assault in the Area of Joy & Myrtle Streets
The Boston Police Department is looking for your help to identify a suspect wanted for a sexual assault in the Beacon Hill area. The video of the suspect is posted on the Boston Police Department’s official Facebook page and below. Anyone who recognizes the man in the video is asked to call Detectives in the Sexaul Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400.
The facts of the incident are as follows:
At about 3:15am, on Saturday, November 10, 2012, officers from District A-1 (Downtown) responded to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Joy & Myrtle Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that an unknown male suspect forced his way into her apartment, displayed a weapon (possibly a knife) robbed her and sexually assaulted her. The suspect is described as a black male with braided hair, 5’8” in height, late twenties to early thirties in age, medium complexion, wearing a du-rag type cap, a tan colored ¾ length construction type jacket, dark jeans and dark sneakers. Suspect believed to be carrying a large blue backpack.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the area of Joy & Myrtle Streets between the hours of 2:00am and 3:30am to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400. Community members wanting to assist this investigation anonymously are encouraged to call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently guards and protects the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.
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.
