Police looking for suspect in South End juvenile sexual assault

BOSTON — Boston Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspect in a juvenile sexual assault incident in the South End.

Officers responded to a sexual assault call Saturday night around 6:45 p.m. inside a common hallway in the area of Hammond Street.

When officers arrived at the scene, the young girl described the suspect as a white Hispanic male in his 20s. She said he was about 5 feet, 7 inches tall, with a slim build, and was wearing a gray sweat suit.

Investigators won't say if the victim knew her attacker in any way, or if she was targeted at random.

Either way, neighbors were disturbed and anxious for the man to be arrested.

"He's not supposed to be in the streets," Jose Ocasio, a neighbor, said. "He's supposed to be in jail. I have four granddaughters living with me. I want the guy to be caught because it's too dangerous."

Northeastern University off-campus roommates Sophia Shmeleva and Anna Sedova, who live across the street, are among those now watching their surroundings with a heightened awareness.

"I just think it's really awful," Shmeleva said.

Sedova echoed similar sentiments and worried for those with kids in the area.

"Just very disturbing for people who have children here," Sedova said.

Detectives released surveillance photos of the suspect and are asking for the public's help in identifying the man.

Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact BPD detectives at (617) 343-4400.

Cox Media Group