Suspect in assaults on women in Savin Hill was out on bail for other charges

By Meghan E. Irons and John R. Ellement, Globe Staff

A 31-year-old man is facing charges that he attacked two women at gunpoint in the span of two hours early Sunday in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Dorchester. He is also being investigated for an attack on a third woman who was raped at about the same time, police said.

“He’s a very dangerous man,” Boston Police Commissioner Edward F. Davis said.

Walter Mains had his bail revoked on two previous charges when he was arraigned this afternoon in Dorchester District Court. Judge Annette Forde also set bail at $50,000 cash.

Davis said earlier today that Mains had addresses in Dorchester and Hyde Park, both of which were being searched by police for evidence that could link him to the assaults on the three women.

Davis said the first incident took place at 1:40 a.m. when Mains allegedly approached a woman while armed with a firearm. Before he could attack her, the woman screamed for help and Mains allegedly fled the area. Mains is charged with assault and with accosting and annoying a person of the opposite sex in that incident.

At 3 a.m., another woman reported that she was sexually assaulted by a man armed with a firearm. Prosecutors said Mains faced charges of armed robbery, assault with intent to rape, and indecent assault and battery in that incident.

The third woman was raped at 2:08 a.m., but the investigation into that sexual assault is ongoing. Mains is the prime suspect in that attack, Davis said.

Mains was out on bail for a September case in which he is charged with trespassing and disorderly conduct. Mains had been previously charged in connection with a 2009 atempted rape, but the victim declined to take part in the proceedings, and the case was ultimately dismissed, Suffolk District Attorney Daniel F. Conley’s office said.

Mains was also on probation for a pair of 2009 purse snatchings, prosecutors said.

The next hearing in Mains’s case was slated for Oct. 13.

Police said Sunday’s assaults all took place near the Savin Hill MBTA station and the intersection of Dorchester Avenue and Harbor View Street.

Police said they were able to quickly make an arrest in the case because of assistance from “an observant and cooperative probation officer.’’ Davis did not elaborate.

Police issued several recommendations for ensuring personal safety, including carrying a cellphone, being aware of surroundings at all times, and keeping a whistle within reach to use in threatening situations.

Police urged anyone with information about either attack to call the Sexual Assault Unit at 617-343-4400 or the Area C-11 (Dorchester) detectives at 617-343-4335.

Anonymous tipsters can call the department’s CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800- 494-TIPS or text the word ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).