Boston Police seek suspect in downtown Boston rape

Boston police are searching for a 33-year-old Lawrence man they suspect of rape in the Harrison Avenue area downtown.

Police suspect Edwin Fantauzzi, who they described as a roughly 5-foot-7, 185-pound Hispanic male, of committing a rape in the area over the weekend. The alleged crime was reported at 6:30 a.m. Saturday.

He was driving a black Honda Fit and was wearing a black jacket, blue shorts and gray sneakers, the police say.

Police asks that anyone with any information on the incident or Fantauzzi’s whereabouts to call detectives directly at 617-343-4400, or anonymously via the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting “TIP” to CRIME (27463).

“The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of those who wish to help this investigation anonymously,” the department wrote in a news release.

While the department stresses that “no victim is ever to blame for the actions of an attacker,” they do offer some tips to stay safe from predators.

Those include walking with friends at night and being aware of your surroundings. To be further aware, try to avoid distractions like cellphones or listening to music with headphones or earbuds in both ears.

Should you feel like you’re being followed, change directions or cross the street and try to make your way to a populated area. Remember descriptive details of the suspicious person and call 911 should you still feel threatened.

Keys make a good defensive weapon, as does creating space and shouting alarming things like “fire,” “help” or “rape” to draw attention from other people who can help.

If you have been  the victim of a sexual assault and would feel more comfortable talking to a non-police resource, you can call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center at 800-841-8371.

A four-door Honda Fit that police say their rape suspect, Edwin Fantauzzi, 33, of Lawrence, was driving. (Courtesy / Boston Police Department)

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/EZeKQSq