Police looking for man who masturbated on MBTA bus

Police are searching for a suspect who allegedly assaulted several women and then masturbated in public, twice while on an MBTA bus.

The assaults have all happened between January 7th and January 14th. One attack happened on the Route #501 bus near Brighton High School, the other on an MBTA bus near Codman Square. Two other assaults happened to women who had recently exited the Central Square MBTA Station.

The suspect is described as a black male, between 18-24 between 5'5"-5'7".

Officials released the following statement:

The MBTA Transit Police Department and the Cambridge Police Department are requesting assistance from the public identifying the individual shown below. This individual is alleged to have indecently assaulted victims and masturbated in public.

These incidents have occurred, between January 07, 2010 and January 14, 2010. They occurred on an MBTA bus near Codman Sq. in Dorchester and on a Route #501 bus located in the vicinity of Brighton High School. Two incidents also occurred in Cambridge, one on Western Ave at Jay Street and the other on Pearl St. Two of the victims exited Central Square MBTA Station prior to these assaults.

The individual has been described as a black male, no facial hair, between 18-24 years of age, 5'05" to 5'07" in height. The subject is further described as wearing a white "puffy' jacket, and in some reports wearing a black knit watch cap. The reports received thus far are from females age 14-24 years of age.

Important personal safety tips include: Be aware of your surroundings and aware of anyone that gets close to you or is following you. Stay in well lit areas, do not talk on your cell phone or listen to an IPod. Try to walk with a friend. If you see this person, please call 911.

Anyone who knows this individual or has been approached by him and has not reported the incident is asked to contact the MBTA Transit Police Department at 617.222.1050 or the Cambridge Police Department at 617.349.3370. If you or anyone needs support please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC.org) 800.841.8371.