Jul 8, 2008 11:04 pm US/Eastern
Sketch Released In Latest North End Assault
Police Looking To See If July 4 Assault Connected To Earlier Incidents
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Boston police have released a composite sketch of a suspect in an early-morning sexual assault in the North End on July 4.
A 23-year-old woman said she was assaulted on Foster Street around 3:30 a.m. last Friday.
The victim told police she was attacked from behind while walking down the street.
WBZ's Christina Hager spoke with the victim who lives on the street where the attack happened. She said the suspect grabbed her and shoved her to the ground.
She said her instinct was to fight off her attacker. The woman was able to push the man away. He then ran off.
The suspect in this case is described as a white man in his 20's with light colored short hair. Boston police are looking into whether there is a connection between this incident and past reports of assault in the area. There were similar sex attacks in the North End in January and June.
Anyone with information is asked to call Boston police at 800.494.TIPS, or text "TIP" to "CRIME" (27463).
Police urge people to be cautious when walking at night and to stay in well-lit and populated areas. Officials suggest carrying a cell phone and holding keys in your hands, which can be used as a weapon against an attacker.
Police say if confronted by an attacker, try to scare, distract or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape. If you think someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street and walk toward an open store or restaurant.
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