10 Random Assaults in 20 Nights Has City on Edge

Police in Waltham, Mass., have a disturbing problem on their hands. Ten men have been assaulted at night since Nov. 10 in what appear to be random attacks by the same assailant. Authorities have released video on Facebook of the alleged assailant and are asking the public to help identify him, reports the Boston Herald. Coverage:

• Pattern: The unprovoked assaults have occurred between 5:30 and 11:30pm in the city, located about 20 miles outside Boston. The first five occurred at the same apartment complex, reports MassLive, but the assailant has since widened his range to the downtown area.

• Weapon: The assailant has not used a gun or a knife, but he has sometimes struck his victims in the head with a blunt object, often from behind. "The person responsible for these crimes appears to be lying in wait and attacking their victims by surprise," say police, per WCVB.
• Victims: David Cameros tells WCVB that he was hit in the back of the head Wednesday with what he believes was a baseball bat after taking out the garbage and pausing for a cigarette. He was knocked unconscious with a skull fracture. Another man says he was similarly struck while out for an evening stroll and is awaiting surgery for face and skull fractures. "I did not have the opportunity to defend myself," he says. Another victim was a US Postal Service carrier, reports ABC News.
• Description: Police describe the suspect as a Black male between 5-foot-6 and 5-foot-10, of medium build. In surveillance video, he is seen with a dark hooded coat, blue jeans, and white sneakers.
• Unusual move: Police have started making "reverse 911 calls" to city residents, asking them to be vigilant at night and aware of their surroundings, notes ABC.

(More Massachusetts stories.)