Citizen Alert: Suspect Sought in Two Separate Indecent Assaults on Women

The Cambridge Police Department is seeking the cooperation of its residents in identifying a suspect who potentially matches the description provided in two indecent assaults that took place within the last week. 

At approximately 11:34 p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, the Cambridge Police responded to a report of a female who was indecently assaulted by a male at the intersection of Cambridge Street and Ellsworth Avenue. The suspect, described as a dark skinned male approximately 18-25 years old wearing a bright red t-shirt with dark shorts, was riding a bicycle and had a black backpack. He approached the female and indecently grabbed her from behind. He fled and the victim then contacted the police.  Police units conducted a thorough search of the area, but the suspect has not been located at this time. The bike was taken into custody for evidence and a sketch of the suspect (see left) has been released.   

Cambridge Police believe the Cambridge Street/Ellsworth Avenue indecent assault is possibly related to a similar incident that reportedly occurred at approximately 11 p.m. on June 14 at Harvard Street.  A female was walking down Harvard Street near the intersection of Inman Street when two males on bicycles approached her and one indecently grabbed her from behind. The suspect was described as a male, approximately 18-25 years old with dark curly hair, a light colored t-shirt and dark shorts.  Both males fled down Harvard Street toward Harvard Square. Police units thoroughly searched the area, but the suspects were not located.

The investigation into these incidents is ongoing. As always, we urge residents, particularly women, who may be walking alone at night, to remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings.  For your safety, you should try to remain on well-lit routes and avoid wearing headphones or ear buds.  Keep your cell phone readily available, but avoid distracting phone calls.  If you suspect you are being followed, head for a store or building that you know to be open. Trust your instincts. If you feel uncomfortable about someone near you, head for a populated area and call 911 immediately. Additionally, street safety tips are available online at http://www.cambridgema.gov/cpd/communityresources/CrimePrevention/streetsafety.aspx.

Anyone with information about these incidents or the identification of the possible suspects are asked to contact the Cambridge Police at 617-349-3300.  Those wishing to share information anonymously may call our Anonymous Crime Tip Hotline at 617-349-3359 or text anonymous tips to 847411.  Begin your text with TIP650 and then type your message.

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The Cambridge Police Department is committed to the enforcement of laws and preservation of order that protect the rights and property of every person within the City of Cambridge. Our mission is to provide the highest quality of police service and to impact crime, and its associated elements, through the utilization of new and proven crime prevention strategies and problem-solving partnerships with our community.  For more information, follow @CambridgePolice on Twitter, or access the department’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CambridgePolice.