The Boston Police Department is asking community members to exercise caution when utilizing transportation services in Boston. At present, the Boston Police Department is investigating three separate reports of incidents involving indecent assaults:
(1) At about 12:58am, on Sunday, December 14, 2014, officers spoke to a victim who stated that she had been indecently assaulted by an individual she believed to be employed by a rideshare service. According to the victim, she arranged for pick-up in the area of Dorchester Avenue and Columbia Road. Once inside the vehicle, the victim states that the operator offered her money and touched her inappropriately. While still in the car, the victim states that she received a text from her actual authorized timeshare operator stating that he had arrived to pick her up. At this point, the victim ordered the operator to stop the car so that she could exit the vehicle and call police. A search of the area for the suspect's vehicle was unsuccessful.
(2) At about 2:34am, on Sunday, December 14, 2014, officers spoke to a victim who stated that she had been assaulted by an individual she believed to be employed by a rideshare service. According to the victim, she arranged for transportation from 1030 Commonwealth Avenue to her home. Once inside the vehicle, the victim states that the operator made attempts to touch her inappropriately. After refusing unwanted advances, the victim ordered the operator to stop the car so that she could exit the vehicle.
(3) At about 2:50am, on Sunday, December 14, 2014, officers spoke to a victim who stated that she had been indecently assaulted by an individual who she believed to be employed by a rideshare service. According to the victim, she arranged for transportation from Faneuil Hall to a location in Dorchester. During the ride, the victim says she fell asleep and woke to the driver indecently assaulting her.
The Boston Police Department continues to actively review and investigate the facts and circumstances surrounding these incidents. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400.
Community members who wish to assist this investigation anonymously can call the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS or text the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department stringently guards and protects the identities of those who wish to remain anonymous.
Safety tips to consider when using transportation services in Boston:
Have a plan on how you will get home before you go out.
Travel with friends if possible.
Whenever possible, schedule a designated driver.
Have credible and regulated cab company phone numbers saved to your phone ahead of time.
Use only licensed cabs or clearly identifiable livery or rideshare service vehicles that you call to your location.
Before entering any vehicle, ask to see the operator's license and any information confirming the driver's employee status with the service hired.
Make note of taxi medallion numbers or license plates.
Once you are in a hired vehicle, call a friend or someone you know and let them know your ride has arrived and you're en-route.
Do not get into an unmarked taxi or livery car.