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Crime & Safety

175 "Take Back Franklin Park" From Predators

175 neighbors, dog owners, families, and community leaders gathered Thursday evening for a two-mile walk around Franklin Park in reaction to an assault that took place there this past Monday.

A brazen sexual assault on a woman pushing a stroller galvanized nearly 200 people to participate in Thursday's "Take Back Franklin Park" walk.

The show of solidarity comes after , in which a man came up behind a woman on one of the park's paths. The man reportedly tried to choke her, but she broke free and was helped by nearby golfers.

The walk was organized by the Franklin Park Coalition, a volunteer group that supports and promotes the sprawling park. There had been no similar attack on a woman in the park for ten years, according to the coalition's executive diretor, Christine Poff.

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Witnesses describe the suspect as an Hispanic man, 5-8, 150 pounds, with a light-to-medium complexion and a thin build. He was wearing a black fitted baseball hat, a white tank top and blue jeans. He was carrying a long-sleeved black T shirt when he ran away. The man spoke both Spanish and English with a strong accent, police said.

Police sent out a community alert that urges residents to "increase vigilance and report any suspicious persons in the area. Residents should take extra precautions and be aware of surroundings."

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Anyone with information about the incident is urged to call police at 617-343-4400.

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