Cambridge Police Department Investigating Assault and Robbery

The Cambridge Police Department and MIT Police Department want residents and students to be aware of an aggravated assault and unarmed robbery that took place on Saturday, February 21 at approximately 9:52 p.m.

A 29-year-old Cambridge resident reported to the Cambridge Police Department that he was the victim of an assault while walking on Main Street – in the 700^th block – towards Boston. He reports he was approached from the backside by an unknown, black male wearing a black knit-style cap. The victim explained that the suspect asked, “Can I have a dollar?” The victim continued to walk and did not answer the suspect. The victim was then assaulted, pushed to the ground and shoved into a snow bank. The suspect was accompanied by another male, who struck the victim’s head, face and body. The victim handed the suspects $25 and his cell phone. The suspects fled on foot and the victim was treated and transported to a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.

“Based on the victim’s accounts, this appears to be a crime of opportunity,” stated Deputy Superintendent Paul Ames. “At night, in particular, we encourage anyone walking alone to be aware of their surroundings and do not resist if you are approached.” 

To avoid being victimized, Cambridge Police suggest that individuals take the following precautions when walking at night:

• Do not wear earbuds, headphones, or listen to music while walking alone.
• Always walk with a friend or in a group when possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times and trust your instincts.
• Walk with confidence on the street and at a good, steady pace. Keep your head up and observe your surroundings.  Don't look down at the ground.
• If you feel you are being followed, show you are suspicious – Turn to look at the person. This sends a clear message that you will not be taken by surprise.
• Change directions.  If someone is following you on foot, cross the street and vary your pace. If the person following you is in a car, turn and walk in the opposite direction.
• If approached, DO NOT RESIST.  The best course of action is to hand over money and whatever other belongings are demanded and try to disengage from this confrontational and potentially dangerous situation as soon as possible. Remember, things can always be replaced.
• Try to remember descriptive information about the robber (height, age, race, etc.) to relay to police when reporting the incident.

More safety tips are available on the Cambridge Police Department’s website at www.CambridgePolice.org/SafetyTips.

If anyone has any information regarding this incident, please contact the Cambridge Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-349-3370. Those who wish to submit tips anonymously via phone, e-mail, and/or text message, should visit www.CambridgePolice.org/Tips.

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