Detectives from East Boston’s District 7 are asking for the public’s help in locating the suspects responsible for a sexual assault last week near the Donald McKay School.
On August 27 at 6:00 a.m. officers from District A-7 were called to the McKay School on Cottage Street in East Boston. On arrival, officers discovered a woman in her forties suffering from facial trauma. Boston EMS responded and transported the victim to a local hospital for additional medical treatment.
The victim told police two men forced her into a vehicle and sexually assaulted her. She described her attackers as Hispanic males. The first suspect is described as a male, approximately 30 to 40 years of age, with a heavy build and a mustache. The second suspect is described as a male in his twenties with a thin build.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have been in the Jeffries Point neighborhood in the early morning hours of August 27 to contact the Boston Police Department’s Sexual Assault Unit with information. Police are actively looking for information regarding a vehicle that may have approached the victim while she was pulling a small piece of luggage on wheels. Police has distributed a picture of the luggage – which is described as blue and gray in color.
Community members looking to assist this investigation are encouraged to contact 617-343-4400, the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).
Boston Police are also offering personal safety tips for women in response to the attack. Police are telling women to always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas. Police suggest wearing sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility and to be watchful and aware. Police said to keep your head up and 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 and whenever possible walk with friends and people you know. Keep a whistle within reach and if you feel threatened use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance.
Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help. 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 your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know enough to begin looking for you.
Walk with confidence and be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space and trust your instincts.
The police remind residents that anyone at any time can be a victim of crime and don’t assume, “It will never happen to me.”
If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape. If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street and walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.