MEDFORD, MASS. (WHDH) - The Medford Police Department is asking residents to be careful when traveling alone at night as they investigate a nighttime assault that left a resident injured over the weekend.
Police say a woman in her 20s was attacked in the area of Main and Royall streets while she was out on a walk Sunday night.
According to the victim, she had been passing by Boston and College avenues near Tufts University when she realized a man had been following her. Officials said the victim reached the end of Royall Street around 10:30 p.m. when the man ran up to her and struck her several times after grabbing her from behind.
“After a brief struggle in which the woman was fighting back and screaming loudly, the suspect fled back down Royall Street toward College Avenue,” the police department said in a news release.
Police said the woman was later taken to a hospital with “apparent minor injuries.”
7NEWS spoke to the woman’s boyfriend on Monday, who said she was nearly home when the attack happened. The woman’s boyfriend said she is now at home recovering.
As the police investigation into this incident continues, area residents on Monday wished the victim the best and said they hope police find the person responsible.
“I think it’s horrible,” said Anya Malkina. “I’ve been living here for a long time and I’ve never thought that it’s possible in this neighborhood.”
Authorities said the male suspect in this case appeared to be 18-30 years old and had a medium to dark skin complexion. He was also believed to have been wearing a black, hooded sweatshirt “with white writing” and dark jeans, in addition to black and white sneakers.
The Medford Police Department said it’s seeking surveillance footage from residents or businesses from the “Ball Square, Somerville area, Boston Ave and College Avenue to Royall Street at Main Street, Medford.”
“Medford Police have been and will continue to provide enhanced attention to the area, particularly during the evening and early morning hours,” police said. “We ask you to be careful when traveling alone at night and stay vigilant of your surroundings.”
Police said anyone who sees anything suspicious should call 911.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Medford PD at 781-391-6767.
(Copyright (c) 2026 Sunbeam Television. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)