The following information was released by the Massachusetts State Police this morning.
Massachusetts State Police Media Release–08-18-2015–State Police Investigate Early Morning Sexual Assault in Cambridge
Massachusetts State Police are investigating the sexual assault of a 24-year-old woman along Memorial Drive in Cambridge early this morning.
The woman, a Boston resident, had left a Cambridge bar shortly before closing time and was walking toward the river. At approximately 2 a.m. she was near the Weld Boat House on Memorial Drive when she was approached by a man on a bicycle. As she tried to walk away, the assailant physically and sexually assaulted her. The victim screamed for help; two witnesses in the area heard her and ran toward her, at which point the assailant got back on his bike and fled.
The victim was transported to St. Elizabeth’s Hospital for treatment. She has since been released.
The assailant is described as a white male, estimated to be in his late 20s to early 30s, with a stocky build and blonde or light brown hair. As previously mentioned, he was riding a bicycle prior to and after the assault.
Anyone with information about this incident or the assailant is urged to call Massachusetts State Police Troop H Detectives at (617) 740-7875.
No further information is being released at this time.
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 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 12:30 PM on August 18, 2015.