Incident
On October 6, 2023, at 10:42 A.M., the MIT Police responded to Ashdown House, an MIT residence hall located at 235 Albany Street in Cambridge, on a report of an aggravated assault committed against a female MIT student. The reporting person stated that several months ago, the perpetrator, who she described as an approximately 30-year-old white male, befriended her, and they started a dating relationship.
The reporting person stated that at approximately 10:30 A.M. this morning, the perpetrator threatened her with a knife, and then fled from the building with her phone, wallet, and keys. Approximately thirty minutes later, there was an attempt to use the reporting person’s ID to access another space on campus where the reporting person works. MIT Police have since deactivated the stolen ID card. The perpetrator may have provided the reporting person with a false name, and neither she nor the MIT Police currently know his true identity.
MIT Police are continuing to investigate this incident.
Suspect
The suspect is described as a 30-year-old, white male. He is approximately 5’7” to 5’8” with a muscular build and blond hair. He is known to drive a grey sedan.
Additional Reporting Resources
Local police department
The district attorney's office for criminal prosecution and legal survivor assistance
Survivor assistance offices and programs
Violence Prevention and Response (VPR): For emotional support, assistance in reporting, and/or to learn more about your available options, contact Violence Prevention & Response (VPR), MIT’s primary, confidential, on-campus resource for issues pertaining to domestic/dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. For non-urgent situations, you can also reach them at VPRadvocate@mit.edu or call 617-253-2300.
Institute Discrimination and Harassment Response Office (IDHR): For information about MIT’s Title IX reporting options and procedures please contact the IDHR Office at idhr@mit.edu or visit idhr.mit.edu.
Additional Considerations for Your Safety:
- Program your cell phone with the MIT Police emergency number (617-253-1212). Call this number if you become uncomfortable in any situation. We are ready to respond to your calls 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
- If you feel threatened on campus, look for a Blue Light emergency telephone or dial 100 from any Institute telephone.
- Utilize SafeRide (http://web.mit.edu/facilities/transportation/shuttles/safe_ride.html) or public transportation.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Let your friends know when you are leaving and arriving at your destination at the end of the night.
- The MIT Police want to remind the MIT community that we are located in an urban setting and share many of the crime and safety issues that exist in any city.
The MIT Police are investigating this crime and request the assistance from the MIT community. If you wish to leave an anonymous tip please call 617-258-TIPS (8-8477).
Issued by
Captain Andrew Turco
565-570 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-253-1212
mitpd@mit.edu