Juvenile female sexually assaulted in Hyde Park, BPD investigating

BOSTON — A sexual assault that happened Wednesday morning in Hyde Park is under investigation by the Boston Police Department.

Police said a female juvenile reported the assault at 7:30 a.m. and said it happened near the footbridge between Truman Parkway and Glenwood Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white male, 25 to 35 years old, approximately 5-foot-7 with a chubby build and a mustache. The victim said he was wearing a black North Face-type jacket, black jeans and black sneakers at the time of the assault.

Anyone with any information is asked to call detectives directly at (617) 343-4400.

TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY: The BPD encourages individuals to review the following safety tips with the understanding that, while these tips are designed to decrease and diminish the likelihood of an attack, no victim is ever to blame for the actions of an attacker.

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and when possible try to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas.
• When possible, walk with friends and people you know especially late at night.
• Avoid the distractions created when talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device. Avoid wearing ear buds or headphones in both ears.
• If you believe someone is following you, change direction, cross the street, seek a populated location and call 911.
• Remember descriptive information about the person following you to report to the police.
• If confronted, believe in your ability to fight back and defend yourself. Creating distance and yelling words like: "fire", "help" or "rape" are smart ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• Keep your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon to ward off an attack.
• Trust your instincts and understand that anyone at any time can be a victim of crime. Never assume: "It won't ever happen to me."

Cox Media Group