Waltham Riverwalk Assault Under Investigation

WALTHAM, MA — The Massachusetts State Police have launched an investigation into an assault on the Charles River riverwalk in Waltham on Sunday night.

A woman in her 20s reported that she was walking on the footbridge between Newton Street and Farewell Street near Shaw’s supermarket on Sunday night around 8 p.m. She heard footsteps come up behind her and then she was grabbed from behind by someone who tried to put his hand over her mouth, police officials said.

The victim was able to scream and "take evasive action," and the man let go of her and ran off, police said.

The woman turned and saw the assailant fleeing, describing him as a man in his 30s or 40s with tan skin, average height and an athletic build, police said. He was wearing a baseball hat.

Units from MSP and Waltham Police responded and searched the area but were not able to locate the suspect. The investigation into the assault is active.