Police: Surveillance video shows suspect, witnesses in North End sex assault

By John M. Guilfoil , Globe Staff

Boston Police released surveillance video today from the area of Hanover and Prince streets that they said captures the suspect wanted for Saturday’s sexual assault of a woman in the North End, where at least 11 other woman have been assaulted in the past four years.

The suspect is described as a white Hispanic man, 5-foot-6, slim, about 150 pounds, with gelled-back black hair.

The video also includes images of two potential witnesses in the case: A woman in a black dress and a man in a white tank top and blue jeans. Police hope these two people and any other potential witnesses will come forward.

Police have increased patrols in the North End since Saturday’s assault.

“We’re very focused on these areas,” said Boston police spokeswoman Elaine Driscoll.

Police responded at 2:30 a.m. Saturday to the area of Garden Court and Fleet Street, where a woman told them she had been approached by a man who started talking to her and wanted to come into her home.

She refused, and the man attacked her, sexually assaulting her before fleeing toward North Street.

Police have been urging women to stay in well-lit and populated areas at night and avoid distractions like listening to music on headphones,.

They also recommended that women carry a whistle and yell to draw attention to the area if they feel threatened.

“Be extraordinarily cautious when walking at night,’’ Driscoll said. “Try not to walk alone, if possible.’’

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at 617- 43-4400 or Area A-1 detectives at 617-343-4248. Tips can also be sent to the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently protect the identity of all individuals who wish to remain anonymous.