An East Boston woman innocently jogging through the Mary Ellen Greenway last Friday morning was attacked and slashed by an unknown assailant.
The frightening attack occurred just before 10:30 a.m. when police were called to the greenway near the Maverick Street portion of the neighborhood park.
Responding officers were met by a female victim who told police that an unidentified male, unknown to her, approached her as she was jogging and attempted to stab her. The victim suffered minor lacerations from the attack.
The suspect was described as a Hispanic male, heavy, 5’3”, wearing a khaki hat, red shirt with a clear plastic poncho over his torso, blue jeans and sneakers.
The incident put an obvious scare into women that frequently jog, walk, bike or rollerblade the greenway.
“This is scary. I jog here almost everyday,” said Cristal Diaz. “Now I’m scared. I guess I have to carry protection now.”
Detectives assigned to District A-7 immediately put out a Community Advisory Friday morning and are actively reviewing the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and are urging anyone with information relative to this investigation to contact (617) 343-4234.
Police also released tips to ensure the public’s safety until the suspect is caught.
These tips include:
• 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 any time 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.
Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line 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 all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.