Submtted by Boston Police Department

PD Officers Arrest Rideshare Operator in Connection to Sexual Assault in the South End: At about 1:03 AM on Sunday, March 18, 2018, officers from District D-4 (South End) responded to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Hemenway Street in Boston. On arrival, officers spoke to Northeastern University police officers who had stopped an individual who identified himself as a ride-share operator and had been tasked with transporting a female passenger to her home.

Observations made by the officers on the scene led them to believe that the female passenger, not only appeared to be in distress, but may have been the victim of a sexual assault. The victim was transported to an area hospital for treatment. Follow-up investigation by the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit enabled detectives to arrest and charge the operator. Officers arrested Ranjan Thapa, 26, of Everett and charged him with Rape. Thapa is scheduled to be arraigned tomorrow, Monday, March 19, 2018 in Roxbury District Court.

The Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit continues to review the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with any information relative to this investigation is asked to contact detectives assigned to the Sexual Assault Unit at (617) 343-4400.

Community members wishing to assist this investigation anonymously can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1 (800) 494-TIPS or by texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463). The Boston Police Department will stringently guard and protect the identities of all those who wish to assist this investigation in an anonymous manner.

If you're a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency or representative, the Boston Police Department advises and encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) at 1 (800) 841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area. To learn more about BARCC, please click on the enclosed link: www.barcc.org.