Somerville Police Investigate Indecent Assaults on Three Women in Porter and Union Square Areas

The following is an alert from the Somerville Police Department:

Over the past three months, there have been three assaults on women in Somerville in the Union and Porter Square areas after dark in the evening hours and early nighttime. The Somerville Police Department is working to identify and apprehend the suspects as quickly as possible, and we wish to alert residents, especially women, to take safety precautions.

On Sunday, January 12, 2014, a 45-year-old female was indecently assaulted on Hawkins St. near Somerville Avenue in the Union Square area.  The suspect is described as a white Hispanic male, 25 to 30 years of age, approximately 5’ 06” tall, with a medium build and brown eyes.  This suspect was wearing a black zip-up sweater, a beanie cap with ear flaps, black tennis shoes, jeans and he was carrying a gray back pack.

On Thursday, January 2, 2014, a 28-year-old female was indecently assaulted while walking on Porter St. between Summer St. and Highland Ave in the Porter Square area.  The suspect is described as a white male, 20 to 30 years of age, 5’-09” to 5’-10” tall, with a thin-athletic build,  and clean shaven.  The suspect was wearing a red ski jacket with black under the armpits and dark pants.  The suspect fled from Porter St. down Francis St. to Conwell St.

This description closely resembles that of a suspect who committed a similar offense on Porter St. near Elm Street in the Porter Square area on November 18, 2013.  Whether or not one suspect is responsible for both incidents remains under investigation.

Any citizen with information regarding any of these assaults is asked to contact Sgt. Richard Lavey at the Somerville Police Department Family Services Unit at 617.625.1600 ext. 7237, or the Somerville Police Criminal Investigation Division 617.625.1600 ext. 7220. Anonymous tips may also be texted to the phone number "TIP411" ( 847411 ); then put "617spd" at the beginning of your text message.

The Cambridge Police would like to encourage everyone, especially women, to take precautions while walking at night.  Do not wear ear buds while walking, avoid poorly lit areas, be aware of your surroundings, and if possible do not walk alone.  Keep your cell phone handy, so you can make a call to police quickly. If you are approached by a man you do not know, call 911 right away. Anyone with concerns regarding personal safety can contact the Cambridge Police Department Community Services Unit at 617-349-3236.