‘Real sense of fear’ in Waltham after 11 people injured in random, unprovoked attacks
Waltham residents are living with a “real sense of fear” after 11 people were recently targeted in unprovoked, random nighttime attacks and as the suspect remains at large.
“It’s unfortunate and very distressing that people have one more thing to worry about besides the current public health crisis,” said City Councilor Jonathan Paz, who lives on Chestnut Street, the site of the most recent attack.
“There is a real sense of fear from folks especially because it is random,” Paz said.
Police on Monday confirmed the 11th victim in the string of attacks that have terrorized neighborhoods around the city.
The latest victim was attacked on Friday around 8 p.m., according to Sgt. Timothy King.
Injuries have ranged from “minor to actually pretty serious,” said King, noting many of the victims were treated at local hospitals. In all instances, men were assaulted after dark from behind between 5:30 and 11:30 p.m., and they were sometimes hit in the face or head with an object.
Among the victims was a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service, who was working his route around 5:30 p.m. in the Gardencrest apartment complex off of Middlesex Circle on Nov. 20.
USPS spokesman Stephen Doherty confirmed the attack but said he could not comment on the carrier’s condition due to privacy laws.
“Fortunately this is something that is very rare. Our employees’ safety is one of our primary concerns,” Doherty said. “We’ve redesigned that route to facilitate getting it done in daylight hours.”
Initially, the attacks occurred in the same Gardencrest apartment complex where the letter carrier was targeted, according to police. More recent attacks have occurred in the area of Chestnut and Charles streets near the city’s downtown.
Police on Saturday released video footage of the man they say is responsible for the attacks and asked for the public’s help in identifying him. Two videos posted to the department’s Facebook page depict a man dressed in jeans, white sneakers and a dark, hooded sweatshirt.
City Councilor Sean Durkee, whose district includes the Gardencrest apartments called the situation “confounding and shocking” for a neighborhood where the biggest complaints typically center around overflowing dumpsters or loud neighbors.
Police are asking anyone with information about the incidents to contact them at 781-314-3600 (option 4), or by using the anonymous tip line at 781-314-3636.
from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3lmroG5
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