Massachusetts and Boston University police are advising students to be careful after a BU student reported she was assaulted on the Esplanade last Friday, sparking a state police investigation.
BU Police Department Chief Thomas Robbins said, in an email sent to the BU community, a female student reported she was indecently assaulted near the Silber Way footbridge.
“She described the suspect as an adult black male, standing between 6-foot-0 and 6-foot-4, slim and lanky build, with a shaved head with visible stubble,” Robbins wrote.
The victim also described the suspect as having a mole on the right side of his face and gaps between his teeth, he said.
BUPD Captain Robert Molloy said the crime occurred at about 1 a.m. and was reported at 6 p.m. Friday night.
“She was on a bench on the Esplanade, on one of those sitting benches just adjacent to the Silber Street footbridge,” Molloy said. “She came to us and reported it to us.”
The victim initially reported the incident to the BUPD, who then notified state police, Molloy said.
“We’re cooperating with them, we’re helping them, we’re assisting, but it’s the state police investigation because it’s their jurisdiction,” Molloy said. “But we’re giving her whatever support we can.”
Molloy said the charge was an indecent assault and battery – not rape.
Sergeant Michael Popovics of the Massachusetts State Police said no more information could be released for a case that is under investigation.
Popovics said the state police get several reports a year similar to the one filed by the BU student. He offered several precautions that can be taken in order to avoid being assaulted.
“Try to use the buddy system [and] always have a charged cell phone with you,” he said.
The victim was alone when the crime occurred, Molloy said.
“The best thing for people to do is stay in a well lit area [and] know your surroundings,” Popovics said.
Robbins said in the email students should always remain aware of their surroundings, walk with friends at night and call the BU escort service if they do not have anyone to walk with.
“It’s very important for you to take a moment to remember that although your chances of being the victim of a crime are small,” he said, “your personal commitment to your own safety is crucial.”
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