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Suspect sought in muggings of 3 women in South Boston

E-mail|Link|Comments () November 5, 2009 03:18 PM

(Via Boston Police Department)

By Globe Staff

Boston police today released a photograph of a man who matches the description of an assailant accused of mugging three women in South Boston in the last two weeks.

The assailant has targeted women who were alone in the early evening in the neighborhood between Dorchester Heights and City Point. In all three attacks, a young man knocked the women to the ground and stole their purses.

The most recent victim was walking home alone near K and East 8th streets at 10 p.m. on Nov. 4. On Oct. 24, another woman was attacked as she exited a cab near O and East 7th streets at 10:30 p.m. The first victim was waiting for a bus near P and East 4th streets at 7:40 p.m. on Oct. 22.

Full descriptions of each attack follow below along with personal safety tips from Boston police. The photograph above was taken by a surveillance camera the day after the second attack, when the assailant used one of the victim's bank cards at the Mt. Washington Bank at 470 W. Broadway. The suspect is in his early 20s and is about 6 feet tall with a medium build and brown hair.

Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact Area C-6 detectives at (617) 343-4742. Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner can either call CrimeStoppers at 1(800)494-TIPS or text a ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463).

Incident descriptions:
Incident #1: At about 10:09pm, on Wednesday, November 4, 2009, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for an unarmed robbery in the area of K and E 8th Streets. According to the victim, she was walking home when the suspect (described as a white male with brown hair, in his early 20’s, approximately 5’11”, medium build, wearing a blue ľ length jacket) approached her, knocked her down and grabbed her pocketbook. The victim says she then observed the suspect enter a black motor which fled down I Street in the direction of E. Broadway.

Incident #2: At about 10:30pm, on Saturday, October 24, 2009, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for an unarmed robbery in the area of O and E 7th Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she had just exited a cab when the suspect (described as a white male, approximately 5’11” in height) approached her, knocked her down and stole her purse.

One day later, on Sunday, October 25, 2009, the victim’s bank card, which was stolen the day before, was used by the suspect at the Mt. Washington Bank at 470 W Broadway. The enclosed picture (see below) was taken as the suspect was using the card.

Incident #3: At about 7:41pm, on Thursday, October 22, 2009, officers from Area C-6 (South Boston) responded to a radio call for an unarmed robbery in the area of P and E 4th Streets. On arrival, officers spoke to the victim who stated that she was waiting for a bus when the suspect (described as white male, in his late teens or early twenties, approximately 6 feet in height, wearing a blue Patriots sweatshirt and a black hat) approached, knocked her down and stole her purse. The victim states she had an iPod in her purse.

The Boston Police Department is actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is strongly encouraged to contact Area C-6 detectives at (617) 343-4742.

Community members who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner can either call CrimeStoppers at 1(800)494-TIPS or text a ‘TIP’ to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently protects the identity of those who wish to remain anonymous.

TIPS FOR ENSURING PERSONAL SAFETY:

• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

• When parking or walking, remain in well-lit and populated areas.

• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.

• Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you.

• Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.

• 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.

• Yelling: “Fire!” “Help!” or “Rape!” are 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 they expect you at a certain time so that in the event you fail to show up, they'll know enough to begin looking for you.

• Walk with confidence. 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.”