Boston police say North End suspect also struck last summer

By John R. Ellement, Globe staff

Boston police said today that a man who sexually assaulted a woman on Monday in the North End probably attacked another woman last summer.

Police initially said today they thought Monday's attack was an isolated event. But further investigation led them to link Monday's incident to one that took place on July 13, 2007, in roughly the same part of the North End.

"We want people to take this seriously," said Officer James Kenneally, a department spokesman. Investigators "feel there is a connection" between the two attacks.

Investigators noted that there were similarities in the descriptions of the attackers, a similar approach was used in both cases, and the incidents took place near one another, Kenneally said.

Police cadets today handed out leaflets near where the assault took place. The incident happened shortly before 8 a.m. Monday on Charter Street, at a time when the snowstorm was at its most intense.

EVERYSCAPE A view of Charter Street from Hanover Street

The woman told police she was walking along when a man grabbed her and sexually assaulted her. She fought him off and he ran away. The 2007 victim was attacked in the same general area, police said.

The suspect in Monday's assault was described by police as a Caucasian male, about 6 feet tall, with short hair and a medium build. He was between 25 and 30 years old and wearing a gray hooded sweatshirt and black pants.

Anyone with information is asked to call the sexual assault unit at 617-343-4400, or call or send a text message to the Crime Stoppers tip line, 1-800 494-TIPS.

"Even the smallest detail could help us solve this particular incident," Kenneally said.

In response to the attack, the Boston Police Department issued these personal safety tips:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye
  contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles.
  Don't become distracted by the use of cell phones or headphones.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and
  people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use it
  to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling "Fire!" "Help!"
  and/or "Rape!" are other ways of drawing attention and alerting
  people that you need help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an
  attacker.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you're on
  your way. Make sure that you're expected at a certain time, so people
  will know to look for you in the event you fail to arrive at the
  designated time.
• Walk with confidence. Be assertive - don't let anyone violate
  your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at anytime can be
  a victim of crime. Don't assume, "IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME."
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability
  to scare, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to
  escape.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction
  or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or
  residence.
  

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