May 15, 2008 5:46 pm US/Eastern
New Sketch Released In Esplanade Sex Attacks
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boston police have released a new sketch of a man who attacked women and assaulted them near the Charles River last summer with the hope that witnesses will come forward and help catch the sex predator.
The new sketch was developed from the victim of a July 29, 2007 attack. Forensic evidence linked her assailant to two other sexual assaults –- one on June 16, 2007 near the Esplanade and the other on July 29, 2006 at the Moakley Park in South Boston.
Police do not know who the man is and continue to urge women to take caution and be aware of their surroundings, especially in isolated areas.
Pedestrians are also warned to be alert late at night or early in the morning, which was when the Esplanade and South Boston attacks took place.
Police said they want to talk to five people in the area at the time of the attacks and who may have seen the suspect.
Specifically investigators would like to speak with a lone man who was near one of the Esplanade footbridges at about 11:15 on the night of June 16, 2007. That individual saw the victim and the assailant.
Police also want to talk with a pair of bicyclists wearing helmets and cycling gear who were walking their bikes near the footbridges between 4:30 and 5:00 a.m. on July 29, 2007. They saw the assailant and the second victim, prompting the assailant to put his arm around the woman as if they were a couple.
In addition, a man and woman, both well-dressed and in their late 20s, who were near Joes American Bar and Grill at the intersection of Dartmouth and Newbury streets between 5 a.m. and 5:30 a.m. on July 29, 2007 are also sought.
In the July 29, 2007, incident, a 20-year-old woman was abducted at knifepoint on Beacon Street and forced to walk to the Esplanade, where she was sexually assaulted and robbed at about 3:30 a.m.
In the June 16, 2007, incident, a different 20-year-old woman was jogging at the Charles River Esplanade on a footpath near the Massachusetts Avenue bridge shortly after 11:00 p.m. when she was sexually assaulted.
In the July 29, 2006, incident, a 30-year-old woman was in the area of Joe Moakley Park when she was sexually assaulted at about 3 a.m.
The suspect is described as a clean-shaven black man in his mid 20s to mid 30s, standing 5 feet 8 inches tall to 5 feet 10 inches tall.
Anyone with information of the crimes or suspects or who was present near the areas at the time of the attacks is asked to contact State police at 617-727-6780. Anonymous tips can be placed at 1-800-494-TIPS.
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