Woman assaulted on Riverwalk in Waltham; Police searching for attacker
WALTHAM - A woman in her 20s was attacked while on the Riverwalk in Waltham Sunday evening, police said.
The assault happened at about 8 p.m. as she was walking on the footbridge over the Charles River near the Shaw's supermarket, between Newton and Farewell streets.
"She heard footsteps come up behind her and then she was grabbed from behind by someone who tried to put his hand over her mouth," Massachusetts State Police said in a statement.
The woman screamed and was able to get away. Police said she was able to get a look at the attacker as he ran away, and described him as a man in his 30s or 40s with tan skin, average height and an athletic build. She said he was wearing a baseball cap at the time.
State and local police searched the area but were not able to find him.
The seemingly random attack has everyone, especially women, looking over their shoulders.
"I usually try not to walk after dark here," said Patty Stone. "Other residents have said there are things that happen at night, so I guess unfortunately, it's obviously true."
Even women walking in the middle of day Monday say they'll change their habits because of the attack.
"I used to run on this path," said Allie Taylor. "Not going to do that anymore."
Police warn anyone on the path to be aware of their surroundings.
"People should carry a cell phone, don't wear headphones, and may also consider carrying pepper spray," State Police said. "If you are assaulted, if at all possible scream, make noise, and fight back."
Last year, police increased patrols after attacks on the Riverwalk in September and October.
"It's sad, but I feel like we have to think about [safety] a lot," Taylor said. "And it's funny when you say that to a guy, a male, and they are like 'oh you really have to think about that?' And it's like well, we are kind of conditioned to do that."