CAMBRIDGE, MASS. (WHDH) - Police are searching for a man accused of assaulting multiple children in a swimming pool at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on Wednesday, according to MIT police.
MIT police were told that between 7:30 and 8:50 a.m., five children under the age of 14 were victims of indecent assault and battery while swimming in the lap pool at the Zesiger Sports and Fitness Center, according to MIT Police Sgt. David J. O’Connor.
The children were “touched inappropriately by another patron” while visiting campus to use the pool, according to Kimberly Allen, a spokesperson for MIT.
The man is described to be around 30 years old with a mustache, police said. He was last seen wearing a lime green shirt and carrying a duffel bag.
Officers received the report at 12:57 p.m. the next day, O’Connor said.
In the summer, the aquatics center is used for kids attending camp, though an email was sent to parents assuring them the incidents happened before day camp started.
“It’s a little bit creepy,” said Beth Wigden, who uses MIT’s pool. “I was actually surprised. I know it happens, but I’ve been swimming here for years. There’s always swim team practice and there’s always little kids running around.”
Anthony Grant, the university’s director of athletics, said staff will be taking extra precautions in order to keep swimmers safe.
MIT’s athletics department will leave an empty swim lane in the pool as a buffer between groups of minors and adults, Grant said. Staff will also put up signs around the pool deck with instructions on how to report concerning incidents, he said.
In addition, the department will increase staffing to monitor the pool and will remind lifeguards to be vigilant, Grant said.
“As a father and MIT community member, I am deeply troubled by this report and am committed to protecting the safety of all who use our facilities, particularly children,” Grant said in the statement.
People who swim at the pool said a badge is needed to get into the facility.
“I felt uncomfortable and concerned because it happened to the children,” said Xing Tian, who uses the pool. “Now when I go to the pool, I’ll pay more attention.”
“I think it’s really just horrible,” said Luka Govedic, who also swims there. “I hope that those kids are okay.”
Anyone with information is asked to call MIT police at 617-253-1212.
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