Community Advisory
Boston Police Investigating Sexual Assault in the Area of the Boston/Cambridge Line
The following alert is from the Boston Police Department:
At about 2:00 AM, Sunday, August 18, 2013, a female victim reported to police that she had attempted to hail a taxi in the area of Linden and Pratt Streets, Brighton. The victim stated to officers a man driving a sedan stopped and offered her a ride to Cambridge. The vehicle was NOT a licensed City of Boston taxi/cab.
The victim states the operator took her to an area believed to be near Harvard University’s campus off of North Harvard Street on the Boston/Cambridge line. The victim stated that the suspect sexually assaulted her at that location.
The suspect/operator is described as an Indian Male 5’ 8”, medium build, medium complexion, in his mid-thirties with short cropped dark hair and very crooked teeth. The suspect was possibly wearing a black short sleeved collared shirt and had a thick accent.
The suspect was possibly operating a dark four door mid sized vehicle.
The Boston Police Department is actively investigating facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is asked to call Sexual Assault Unit (citywide) detectives at 617-343-4400. Cambridge Police, Harvard University Police and Massachusetts State Police are assisting in the investigation.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling CrimeStoppers at 1(800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those wishing to remain anonymous.
Ensuring Personal Safety
- Do not get into unmarked taxi or livery cars
- Use only licensed cabs or clearly identifiable livery service vehicles that are called to your location.
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- When parking, walking or returning to your car, travel 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 threatened, use the whistle to signal residents for help. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people of your situation.
- Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
- Carry a cell phone and call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on the way. Make sure you’re expected at a certain time, so in the event you fail to show up, those expecting you will know enough to begin looking for you.
- Walk with confidence. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime so never assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
- If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to defend, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
- If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant or residence
Contact: Steven Catalano - steven_catalano@harvard.edu