Police Release Photos of Groping Suspect
People with information urged to contact authorities
The man pictured here is suspected in a string of gropings earlier this month in Brighton and near the BU Bridge. Photo courtesy of the Boston Police Department
Boston Police have released photos of the man suspected of groping three BU students and a University employee, among others, in several incidents earlier this month.
The suspect also allegedly exposed himself to two BU students, says Scott Paré, the University’s deputy director of public safety and BU Police Department (BUPD) deputy chief.
The photos were taken from a University video camera in the area of 855 Commonwealth Avenue, one of many cameras installed two years ago at the direction of President Robert A. Brown. Victims describe the assailant as a white male, about 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 165 pounds, with a thin build and short, thinning hair. He has been dressed in a blueish-gray shirt and tan cargo shorts.
Anyone with information about the suspect, or anyone who sees suspicious activity, should call the BUPD at 617-353-2121.
“There has been no identification of the suspect at this point,” says BUPD Detective Lieutenant Peter DiDomenica. He says his department and the Boston Police sexual assault unit are “vigorously pursuing leads, including the development of additional video evidence.”
“There have been no additional sexual assaults” since the suspect allegedly groped three women May 4, DiDomenica adds. The attacks occurred near the Chester Street–Ashford Street area of Brighton and between 855 Commonwealth Avenue and the BU Bridge. Similar assaults had occurred the previous weekend in the Ashford and Pratt Streets area.
Also on May 4, Brookline Police received reports of a man matching the suspect’s description who indecently exposed himself in the Pleasant Street area.
BU Police offer the following safety tips:
- Remove headphones while walking or jogging. The distraction makes you vulnerable to attack.
- Walk with a friend at night, and avoid areas that are not well lit.
- Always carry a cell phone. But when you’re out walking or jogging, use it only for emergencies. Otherwise, it can be a distraction. (See headphones, above.)
- Let someone know when you expect to arrive home.
- And the perennial tip: If you’ve been drinking, don’t overindulge, as it increases vulnerability to assault.
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