WALTHAM, Mass. — Authorities have launched an investigation into a pair of reported sexual assaults that recently occurred along a popular walking trail in Waltham.
A young girl walking with friends near the Elm Street entrance to the Riverwalk area of the Charles River Reservation was grabbed from behind, pushed against a tree, and raped on the evening of Sept. 14, according to Massachusetts State Police.
The victim told police that she didn’t get a look at the suspect and that the reported assault ended when the perpetrator thought he heard someone approaching.
The second reported incident happened on the evening of Oct. 20 when a 37-year-old woman jogging on the Riverwalk bike path near Prospect and Crescent streets was approached from behind and groped on two separate occasions, state police said. The suspect was said to be riding a bicycle.
The woman described the suspect as a white or Hispanic man, average in height and build, possibly in his 20s or 30s, who was wearing an orange hoodie.
The Waltham Police Department has added extra police patrols in the area in wake of the reported assaults.
In a statement, state police said, “Visitors to the Riverwalk should always be aware of their surroundings, carry a cell phone and call 911 immediately if they feel threatened or observe any suspicious activity, and stay in well-lit areas if possible.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact state police detectives at 617-740-7544.
Both assaults remain under investigation.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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