Police Seek Public's Help to ID Suspect after Sexual Assault at Arboretum

Boston Police are looking for help from the public to identify a suspect wanted in connection with a sexual assault that took place at the Arnold Arboretum Wednesday. 

Officers from the Boston Police Department's District E-13 in Jamaica Plain responded to the report of a sexual assault around 11 p.m. Wednesday night, police said in a statement. A female victim told police that around 11 a.m. Wednesday she had been sexually assaulted and robbed at knife point while at the Arboretum. 

The suspect involved is described as being a black male in his early 20s, with a height of 5 feet, 4 inches to 5 feet, 6 inches in height and having a thin build, wearing a black do-rag and a white tee shirt, as well as dark-colored jeans with grey color. The suspect was reportedly riding a black bicycle, police said. 

The BPD Sexual Assault Unit is investigating the incident and anyone with information or who may have seen anything should contact District E-13 detectives at 617-343-5628 or the Sexual Assault detectives at 617-343-4400. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text "TIP" to 27463. 

Boston Police also issued the following safety tips for individuals to keep in mind when walking through public areas:

• 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 anytime 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.