Cambridge police search for suspect in punching spree

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- Cambridge police say at least three people were assaulted while walking along Massachusetts Avenue on Saturday afternoon.

Investigators say all three cases occurred between Mass. Ave. and Trowbridge Street, with the first taking place at about 3:40 p.m.

The first victim told police he was walking toward Central Square when he noticed the suspect walking directly toward him. The victim stepped to the left and then to the right, but the suspect moved into his path both times. The suspect then punched the victim at least twice in the eye with a closed fist while yelling.

In the second case, the victim was punched once in the face while walking toward Dana Street. The victim also said the suspect was yelling something he couldn't understand.

Another victim reported they were exiting a furniture store and headed to the Harvard Square area when they were attacked. A witness thought they heard the suspect yelling, "Oh, you think that's funny?" from behind them before the attack.

Investigators say the suspect also took a swing at someone inside a local restaurant. The victim said the suspect was making small talk when he suddenly took a swing at him, but missed. The suspect fled the restaurant and the victim called out for him to stop.

The suspect is described as a black man in his mid-20s. At the time of the assaults, he was wearing a black winter coat, dark knit hat, and blue jeans.

Police investigators do not believe that these incidents were a part of the "knockout" game, where people, mainly teens, suckerpunch and try to "knock out" unsuspecting victims.

"We believe at this point, that these assaults were not a case of 'Knockout,'" a police statement read, "but a situation where an individual who was either under the influence or suffering from some type of mental illness was responsible for the assaults."

Anyone with information should call Cambridge police.

Cox Media Group