Community Advisory - Holden Green Housing Complex Assault

October 23, 2015

On Friday October 23, 2015 at approximately 3:55 AM a female resident of the Holden Green affiliated housing complex reported to the Harvard University Police Department that she was approached by an unknown male who followed her to her doorway.  The victim stated while walking her dog she saw the mini-van pull in.  The victim felt something wasn’t right and immediately started running toward her doorway.  The unknown male ran after her but she was able to get in the door and lock it.  The offender banged on the door and immediately fled back to the van which was driven by an unseen individual.

 

The offender is described as a white male in his early twenties, short cropped light colored hair, approximately 6 feet tall, with wide shoulders and a muscular build, wearing a brown Carhatt (work) jacket.

 

The mini-van was described as an older model (2000-2001) dark colored van, possibly green van, make unknown, with a sliver bumper.

 

If you have any information about these incidents, please call the Harvard University Police Department Criminal Investigation Division at 617-495-1796.

 

The Harvard University Police Department has assigned uniformed officers to patrol the Holden Green complex area. 

 

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 617-432-1212.  Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to store the HUPD’s urgent number in their cell phone. 

 

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 the appropriate precautions, such as walking with others and utilizing the shuttle bus and evening van service whenever possible.  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.  Additional safety, escort, and transportation information can be found at www.hupd.harvard.edu/your-role-staying-safe.   .  

 

Persons should avoid talking on cell phones, listening to music, or walking too close to persons unnecessarily.  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.  If you are approached by someone displaying a weapon and demanding your property, it is recommended that you comply with the request and not resist. 

 

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 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 3:30 PM on October 23, 2015.

 

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