Nearly 2 Months Later, No Arrests In Waltham Sexual Assault Case

WALTHAM, MA — It's been nearly two months since a Waltham woman told police that a man made his way into a her home and sexually assaulted her, prompting police and the district attorney's office to warn neighbors to be vigilant and to avoid walking alone in the neighborhood.

According to the district attorney's office there have been no arrests and no updates to the case, making some in the city nervous.

On June 13 a woman in her 50s went out to walk her dog at the Ridge Apartment Complex on Ridge Lane and when she got back to her apartment around 11 p.m. a man who had apparently gone into her home while she was out, physically and sexually assaulted her, according to authorities.

Police said at the time it did not appear the woman knew the man.

The assailant is still at large and has been described as possibly around 6' with a slight build. Police did not immediately respond request for an update.

The lack of an arrest has made some in the city nervous, telling Patch they wish there was an update.

"Crimes of this nature are exceedingly rare," said Chief Keith MacPherson in June, noting his department planned increased patrols in the area.

Neighbors in the complex said they'd noticed the patrols.

Lisa Presti who has lived there for three years told Patch she wished she knew more about what happened on June 13, and steps taken in the nearly two months since then during the investigation, and a better description of the alleged assailant.

But, she said, the complex property management had taken steps to alert residents about the incident, giving them safety tips and taking away door stoppers to help them feel safe.

"That makes me feel good," she said. "For the most part I feel safe in this community."

The complex recently asked residents to indicate on a level of 1 to 10, how likely they would be to recommend the Ridge to family or friends. Presti said she ranked it an 8.

Another woman who has only lived at the Ridge since November said she'd seen police cars around the complex and their presence makes her nervous.

"To be honest, I'm a little confused," she said. "I thought this was a good complex. But more police presence makes it feel less safe to me."

Police are asking anyone who may have seen anything concerning in the area of the assault or have any information that would be helpful to contact the Detective Division at 781-314-3550.

Got a tip? Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.