Attempted Unarmed Robbery in Brookline
Female student struck in the face
A female BU undergraduate was attacked Sunday night at approximately 10 p.m. by a man wearing a ski mask and gloves as she walked alone on Amory Street in Brookline. BU Police say the suspect, who appeared to be unarmed, emerged from a light-colored Honda Pilot SUV that was parked behind the victim. He grabbed the woman from behind and struck her in the face, then fled when dog walkers in Knyvet Park heard her scream and came to her aid.
The suspect then ran around the corner to the waiting SUV—which had passed the student and parked on Thatcher Street—and got into the front passenger seat. The vehicle, which had a dent in the driver’s side, headed toward St. Paul Street. Nothing was stolen from the victim.
BUPD Detective Lieutenant Peter DiDomenica says the BUPD is working closely with Brookline Police on the case and is adding extra patrols in the area of Amory and Thatcher Streets over the next few nights. “We have a very good working relationship and will collaborate to help them solve this case,” he says, “and then work to come up with strategies to make the area safer in the future.”
Brookline Police say the suspect is approximately 5’ 8”tall, with a medium build. His race and age are unknown. He was wearing baggy blue jeans, a black hooded sweatshirt with the hood up, and gloves. They ask anyone who sees a vehicle or a suspect matching these descriptions to contact either Brookline Police at 617-730-2222 or the Boston University Police at 617-353-2121.
DiDomenica advises students living on or off campus to follow some basic safety precautions:
- Always be aware of your surroundings. Do not wear headphones or text on your cell phone while walking at night.
- Walk only when you cannot get a ride. If walking is the only option, walk in a group.
- Avoid poorly lit areas, even if it means adding a few minutes to your walk.
- At the first sign of trouble, dial 911 or the BUPD at 617-353-2121.
BUPD urges students, faculty, and staff to report suspicious people and activity on or near campus by calling 617-353-2121. Students may also download the free MyPD app to report nonurgent activity.
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