COMMUNITY UPDATE:

Boston Police Arrest Suspect in

Connection with Indecent Assault in J.P.

The Boston Police Department arrested Raphael Cox, 17, of Roxbury in connection with a recent indecent assault in Jamaica Plain. Authorities released a surveillance image seeking his identification on Saturday February 6, 2010.

Yesterday detectives from the Sexual Assault Unit were contacted by the MBTA police, who believed they had recognized the wanted suspect at the Ruggles MBTA station. At that time, detectives responded to the scene and took Cox into custody. Cox was placed under arrest and charged with indecent assault and battery.

Cox has been identified as the individual responsible for indecently assaulting a woman at Seaverns Avenue / Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. He then fled on foot on Seaverns Avenue towards Green Street. The incident occurred on February 3^rd at approximately 8:30am.

The Boston Police Department would like to take this opportunity to remind community members of important safety information:

PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS

· 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.