Somerville police search for indecent assault suspect

SOMERVILLE, Mass. (WHDH) -- People in Somerville are on alert after a man assaulted a woman at a supermarket, according to police.

Police released a picture of the man they say attacked a woman at the store.

Officers say the man pictured is accused of assaulting an 18-year-old female college student inside a local grocery store on Labor Day.

“As he approached her from behind, he indecently assaulted her very briefly. She reacted and he quickly left the store on a bicycle that was parked nearby,” an officer said.

Police won't say what store it happened in, but officers have alerted nearby businesses in hopes of generating new leads.

“Usually a store manager, store clerks are very vigilant and hopefully they’re going to see him come into this store and give us a call,” the officer said.

News of the alleged assault has sent shockwaves through the community.

“People are crazy. I’ve heard of that before,” one woman said.

The alleged victim was shaken up but otherwise unharmed. Police say attacks in public are rare.

“This was a very unusual event. In my career I’ve never heard of another one in an active grocery store similar to this one so we’re hoping somebody recognizes this individual and calls us,” the officer said.

Police believe the suspect is anywhere from 30 to 35 years old. They say if he is caught, he will face felony level charges.