News

Suspect wanted for breaking into home and assaulting woman

BOSTON — The Boston Police Department is seeking the public's help in identifying a suspect wanted  for breaking and entering and indecently assaulting a woman in Boston's Back Bay neighborhood.

According to police, the crime happened at around 6 p.m. on Saturday in the area of Hemenway Street and Westland Avenue.

Upon arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated a male suspect entered her apartment and indecently assaulted her.

It is unknown if the victim's apartment door was locked during the time of the assault.

According to the victim, she immediately screamed and scared the suspect away. Officers searched the area but didn't find the suspect.

The suspect is described as a black male with short hair, wearing a dark-colored shirt, light-colored pants and sneakers.

Friends of the victim say there should be more locks and an increased security in the buildings, especially since it's an area where so many college students live.

"It’s really messed up so you know, I think it’s more than being upset, it’s stuff like this shouldn’t happen," said Aidan Wadadawson, a friend of the victim.

Northeastern students received an alert following the crime since the assault happened so close to campus. However, police say the victim and intruder did not attend that college.

"I've been here a long time and you don't hear about this kind of stuff in the area," said Tish, a neighbor.

Neighbors, who say the area is usually very safe, are alarmed by the assault and hope that, with the picture of the suspect, police will find him soon.

Police are seeking the public's help in identifying the suspect pictured above. Anyone with information regarding this suspect or this incident is asked to call the BPD Sexual Assault Unit at 617-343-4400.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.