A woman was able to fend off a man who tried to attack her while she was walking along the Riverwalk in Waltham, Massachusetts, according to the Massachusetts State Police.
The man has not yet been located.
A woman, in her 20s, told police she was walking on the pedestrian bridge that spans the Charles River between Newton Street and Farewell Street on Sunday night when a man grabbed her from behind and tried to cover her mouth. with his hand, state troopers said in a news release Monday morning.
Authorities said the woman screamed and “took evasive action,” causing the attacker to run.
State police and Waltham police searched the area but were unable to find the man, described as being in his 30s or early 40s with an athletic build and wearing a baseball cap.
Police urged people to be aware of their surroundings and to carry a cell phone with them. They also advised people not to wear headphones while walking in public and to consider carrying pepper spray. They also said to try to yell, make noise, and defend yourself if you’re being assaulted, and of course, call 911 if something suspicious happens.
