Man robs, sexually assaults woman in Beacon Hill home

BOSTON (WHDH) -- Police are searching for a man who they said forced himself inside a Beacon Hill home and sexually assaulted and robbed a woman.

Just steps from the Massachusetts Statehouse, an early morning attack has Boston police asking for help tracking down the suspect seen in a picture taken by a bank security camera.

Police said the attack occurred around 2 or 3 a.m. Saturday. Residents said they generally feel safe in the area, but with the suspect on the loose they will be especially cautious.

In the neighborhood around Myrtle and Joy streets where the attack allegedly happened, young women are calling it a scary reminder to be aware when they're on their way home late at night.

“It’s just scary because sometimes you just take it lightly and you don’t realize that something like that can happen in the city. It feels like such a small town here, but it is a city and you always have to be careful,” said a local, female resident.

Police said the suspect showed the victim a weapon, possibly a knife. Now they're asking anyone who was in the area between 2 and 3:30 in the morning to get in touch if they think they saw the suspect.

Police said the suspect has braided hair. He is about 5-foot-8-inches tall. They said he was wearing a cap and likely carrying a large, blue backpack.