Female University Employee Attacked by Unidentified Man Near Dewolfe St., Escapes Uninjured

A female Harvard University employee reported that she was attacked while walking on Grant St. near DeWolfe St. on Tuesday.

The attack occurred at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Tuesday, according to a community advisory e-mail issued by the Harvard University Police Department.

The victim escaped uninjured, the e-mail stated.

According to the statement, which was sent to the College community yesterday afternoon, the victim reported that an unidentified man approached her from behind and slipped a thin rope over her head.

She was able to escape by crouching down, turning, and pushing her assailant away.

She then fled down Grant St. and watched her attacker “stagger” down the walkway leading behind 5 Cowperthwaite St., the e-mail stated.

The victim was unable to provide a detailed description of the suspect.

The incident is being investigated by the Cambridge Police Department, as it did not occur on University property.

Cambridge police spokesperson Alexa Manocchio said last night that the police department is not releasing information about the alleged incident at this time.

In May 2008, a female undergraduate was victim of a similar attack outside Lamont Library. She reported that an unidentified man wrapped a thin wire around her neck as she walked down the stairs next to Pusey Library.

According to a cautionary e-mail circulated by the student’s roommate after the attack, the victim was able to escape unhurt by kicking the offender in the groin.

Tuesday night’s incident prompted HUPD’s second community advisory this month.

On Oct. 3, a male faculty member reported that he was robbed at gunpoint by an unknown man while walking north of Harvard Divinity School.

—Chelsea L. Shover