Posted on 04/22/2014 8:58 PM
On Monday, April 21, 2014 at approximately 1:20 AM, a female undergraduate student reported to the Somerville Police Department that she was assaulted by an unknown male as she walked down Beacon Street in the area of 358 Beacon Street near an alley that leads to Oxford Street in Cambridge. The victim reported that the male grabbed her arm and pulled her into the alley. The victim screamed for help and defended herself against her attacker. The victim then fled the area and called the police. The victim did not see in which direction the offender fled.
The victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the offender.
Because this incident did not occur on Harvard University property, it is being investigated by the Somerville Police Department. If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Somerville Police at 617-625-1600. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via text message should text "TIP411" (847411) and put "617spd"at the beginning of the text message.
If at any time you observe any type of suspicious activity or have been the victim of a violent crime, regardless of the location of the incident, please notify the Harvard University Police Department immediately at 617-495-1212. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to store this number in their cell phone. Failing to notify the police immediately can seriously hinder the follow-up investigation.
The Harvard University Police Department wants to remind students, faculty, and staff that we are located in an urban setting and share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city. Community members should be vigilant while walking throughout campus and surrounding areas both during the day and at night and to take appropriate precautions. If you are out after dark, try to travel in groups, use only well-lit routes or designated pathways, and do not allow yourself to be distracted by phone calls or by using ear buds. Make use of shuttle buses, and van service. You should also note the location of blue light phones. You can learn more about the shuttles and van service at https://www.transportation.harvard.edu/shuttle-van-services.
Students, faculty, and staff also may call the Harvard University Police Department at 617-495-1212 if they believe they are in danger while waiting for transportation due to the hour or circumstance. The Harvard University Police Department will assist with transportation whenever appropriate.
If you suspect you are being followed, stay away from dimly lit areas and head for a store or building that you know to be open. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call the Harvard University Police Department.
For more detailed information on safety and security please read the Harvard University Police Department's "Playing it Safe" booklet, which can be found at https://www.hupd.harvard.edu/annual-security-report.
For questions about this advisory, please contact the Harvard University Police Department's Public Information Officer, Steven G. Catalano, at 617-495-9225 or by email at steven_catalano@hupd.harvard.edu.
Disseminated at 8:45 PM on April 22, 2014.
Follow the HUPD on Twitter @HarvardU_Police
Contact: Steven Catalano - steven_catalano@hupd.harvard.edu
April 22, 2014
See also: 2014