Timely Warning - Assault and Battery at Lowell House - Update
UPDATE
The Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) has positively identified the suspect in the incident that occurred at approximately 5:30 PM, Tuesday, May 19, in Lowell House. Earlier this afternoon, the suspect was arrested by a local law enforcement agency on several charges including Assault and Battery, Kidnapping, and Burglary/Unlawful Entry with the Intent to Commit a Felony. Additional charges may be sought at the conclusion of the investigation.
On May 19, the HUPD sent the Timely Warning below to the Harvard community at approximately 6:25 PM. Following that Timely Warning, officers from the HUPD and the Cambridge Police Department responded to Peabody Terrace to take a report of a past assault and battery that occurred at approximately 5:00 PM that same day.
The victim of the assault and battery at Peabody Terrace reported that they were approached by an unknown male on the sidewalk near Memorial Drive, who attempted to follow them into one of the residential buildings in the complex. The suspect grabbed the victim’s wrist and attempted to pull them toward the gated entrance of the building. After repeated attempts, the suspect released the victim and fled the area. The victim did not report any physical injuries and informed officers that they decided to report the incident after receiving the Timely Warning related to the Lowell House assault and battery.
Based on a preliminary investigation, investigators believe the suspect involved in the Lowell House assault and battery also committed the earlier unreported Peabody Terrace assault.
At this time, the HUPD does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the community related to these incidents.
Disseminated at 6:37 PM on 5/27/26.
At approximately 5:30 PM, officers from the Harvard University Police Department (HUPD) and the Cambridge Police Department responded to Lowell House following a reported assault.
According to the victim, an unknown male entered the residence hall by following another individual into the building without authorization. As the victim was entering their room, the suspect approached from behind, covered the victim’s mouth, and attempted to force the victim into the room.
The victim screamed, prompting several nearby residents to exit their rooms, at which point the suspect fled the area.
The victim did not report any physical injuries.
This remains an active criminal investigation. HUPD officers, in coordination with the Cambridge Police Department, are continuing to search for the suspect.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212.
If you observe suspicious activity at any time, please notify the Harvard University Police Department immediately at 617-495-1212 (Cambridge Campus) or 617-432-1212 (Longwood Campus). Students, faculty, staff, and visitors are encouraged to store HUPD emergency numbers in their phones.
Additional information about campus safety and security is available in the Harvard University Police Department Annual Security Report at:
www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report
For questions about this timely warning, please contact the Harvard University Police Department Public Information Officer, Steven G. Catalano, at 617-495-9225 or by email at steven_catalano@hupd.harvard.edu.
Disseminated at 6:25 PM on 5/19/26.