A man who allegedly sexually assaulted a woman in the Boston’s Fenway neighborhood last Tuesday has been accused of attempting to abduct a 10-year-old girl in Winchester, Massachusetts.
The suspect, identified as 36-year-old Michael Purpura of Westwood, turned himself into Medford Police Sunday morning as Boston Police were closing in on him, Commissioner William Evans said.
After facing a judge for an aggravated rape charge in the Fenway sexual assault case, Purpura was ordered to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing scheduled for Thursday.
Meanwhile, Winchester Police say on Saturday they responded to the tunnel at Skillings Field, where a child said she was approached by a male with scruffy facial hair.
Police say the suspect put his hand over the girl's mouth and attempted to carry her away. She was able to escape and found a group of people who helped her until police arrived. Police could not find a suspect, but say video footage of the area pointed to Purpura.
Purpura was formally charged with attempted kidnapping in this case Monday afternoon. Police say there may be more charges.
Investigators in Boston say around 12:30 a.m. last Tuesday, Purpura allegedly forced a female victim into her own apartment and then sexually assaulted her.
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Evans added, “We were quick to put it out because of all the young college young girls in the neighborhood and we continue to warn them if they go about on their business late at night they always have to be careful of their surroundings. But I think this was a vicious attack unprovoked and I'm glad we got him off the streets."
Purpura's attorney is Johnathan Rutley.
