Woman Attacked in Cambridge on Tuesday Night

CAMBRIDGE, MA - Cambridge Police are urging residents to remain vigilant after a 22-year-old woman was assaulted by an unknown man on Tuesday night.

According to Cambridge Police, the victim was walking down Putnam Avenue from Mt. Auburn Street by herself at approximately 10:15 p.m.

The victim said she felt the presence of someone behind her and, as she turned around, a male suspect grabbed her around her shoulders and waist.

The victim was able to free herself from the suspect and ran away.

The suspect was described as a white male, approximately 18-25 years old, around 5’10”, thin build, cleanly shaved with possibly blonde hair beneath a beanie cap.

“We are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident and are putting extra attention on this area,” said Deputy Superintendent Leonard DiPietro. “Regardless, we want the community to be aware of these circumstances and encourage anyone with any information to please contact the Cambridge Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Section at 617-349-3370.”

To avoid being victimized, the Cambridge Police encourage women to take the following precautions when walking anytime of the day:

· 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.
· Try to remember descriptive information about the suspect (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.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by text messaging Tip411 (847411) and begin your text with Tip650 and then type your message. You can also submit a tip anonymously via the MyPD app or call our 24-hour anonymous Crime Hotline at 617-349-3359.