Police: Fenway Sex Assault Suspect Attempted to Abduct Girl in Winchester

Photo Credit: Winchester PD

A man who was arrested and charged in connection to a rape in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, has been charged with attempted kidnapping after an attack on a 10-year-old girl in Winchester, Police Chief Kenneth Albertelli announced Monday.

Police allege that Michael J. Purpura, 36, attacked and tried to abduct a 10-year-old girl in Winchester. The incident took place on Saturday, one day before Purpura was taken into custody for allegedly forcing a woman into her apartment before raping her last week.

Just before 4:30 p.m., Winchester Police responded to Skillings Field by the walk through tunnel for a report of an assault on a child. Upon arrival, the child reported that she was approached by a white male with scruffy facial hair.

The suspect allegedly asked the girl if she knew what time it was and she said she did not know. The suspect then walked away through the tunnel toward Spruce Street, but reappeared a short time later while the girl was walking through the tunnel and placed his hand over her mouth and picked her up off of the ground, police say.

The girl kicked, tried to yell and was eventually able to get away from the man. She ran out onto the field and approached a group of adults and told them about the incident, who then called police and the girl’s parents.

Police conducted a thorough search of the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. An investigation was launched, and footage was taken from multiple surveillance cameras. The investigation quickly pointed to the suspect.

Police say it appears to be an isolated incident, and no other types of incidents like have been reported in the region.

“This is a very disturbing case in which a man allegedly attacked a young girl,” Chief Albertelli said. “Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case, and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident. I also want to recognize the victim in this case. Despite a terrible trauma and attempted abduction, this young girl had the presence of mind to fight off her attacker and immediately report what had happened to a group of adults. She is very brave.”