Boston University Reports 3rd And 4th Sexual Assault In One Week

BOSTON, MA — Boston University police reported Friday that two more sexual assaults took place on campus Thursday night, the second pair of similar incidents confirmed at the school this week.

The first of the two incidents Thursday was reported in the 100 block of Bay State Road around 10 p.m., when a student said they were approached on the sidewalk by a person on a bicycle who touched them inappropriately and then rode away, according to police. The suspect, who could not be located after the alleged assault, was described as a white male riding a dark-colored bicycle wearing blue jeans and a dark cap or hooded sweatshirt, police said.

The second incident was reported at 11 p.m. on the Charles River Esplanade near the Silber Footbridge, where a student said they were approached by a person on a bicycle who touched them inappropriately before riding away, according to police. The victim described the suspect, who has not been found, as a male riding a black bicycle and wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, police said.

Boston University police said they are investigating whether these incidents are related and are patrolling the areas.

A suspect was arrested earlier this week following reports of two other sexual assaults on campus Tuesday, campus police said Wednesday. Police have not released the suspect's name or mugshot.

The first attack Tuesday was reported in the BU Central area around 10:45 a.m., when the suspect reportedly touched a student inappropriately as they walked on the sidewalk. That evening, around 7:10 p.m., a second assault was reported on a campus bus.

The suspect, who police said they believe was responsible for both attacks, was described by one victim as a 30-year-old Black man standing around 5 feet, 5 inches tall and wearing a goatee, baggy clothes, and a black “Under Armour” backpack.

One victim said the man appeared to be under the influence of a substance of some kind, campus police said.

Boston campus police worked with the Boston Police Department to arrest the man on an outstanding warrant, school officials said.

Authorities are urging anyone with information to call the Boston University Police Department at (617) 353-2121. Community members wishing to assist in this investigation anonymously can do so by texting the word ‘BU’ to TIP411 (847911) and police will protect the identities of all those who wish to assist anonymously, authorities said.

"The Boston University Police Department has specially trained officers to investigate sexual assaults," the department states, in part, on the university's website. "In addition, the BU Police will help a survivor, who wishes to do so, make contact with helpful resources both on or off campus."

Resources and more information are available on the Boston University Police Department's website.