A man was arrested on an indecent assault charge in an attack on a woman in Boston's South End Saturday night, police said.
Witnesses intervened after hearing the woman screaming near Columbus Avenue, according to Boston police.
Officers responded to a call for an assault and battery in progress and a possible sexual assault in the area of West Canton Street and Appleton Street at around 9:39 p.m., police said.
Witnesses heard the sound of a person screaming and saw the man, identified as 35-year-old Amos Sykes, of Quincy, punching a woman in the head as he sat on top of her, according to police. He'd allegedly grabbed her from behind while she was walking down Columbus Avenue, forced her onto the ground and began punching her in the head and attempted to take off her clothes, according to police.
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Police said one of the witnesses attempted to defend the woman and Sykes ran off before being arrested.
The woman was taken to a local hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police said.
Sykes was charged with indecent assault and battery and assault and battery, police said. It wasn't immediately clear if he had an attorney who could speak to his arrest.
The incident was under investigation. Anyone with information on the incident was urged to call Boston police at 617-343-5619 or their sexual assault unit at 617-343-4400.
Police shared these tips on how to stay safe:
- Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
- When parking, walking or returning to your car, travel in well-lit and populated areas.
- Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
- Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
- Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
- Keep a whistle within reach. If threatened, use the whistle to signal residents for help. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people of your situation.
- Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
- Carry a cell phone and call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on the way. Make sure you’re expected at a certain time, so in the event you fail to show up, those expecting you will know enough to begin looking for you.
- Walk with confidence. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Anyone at anytime can be a victim of crime so never assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
- If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to defend, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
- If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk towards an open store, restaurant or residence.
