Suspect in Fenway sexual assault later tried to abduct 10-year-old girl, police say
A man arrested Sunday in connection with a Fenway-area sexual assault tried to kidnap a 10-year-old girl in Winchester the day before his arrest, according to Winchester Police.
Michael J. Purpura, 36, of Westwood, was arrested and charged with aggravated rape in an incident where police say he forced a woman into her apartment on Queensberry Street Tuesday and sexually assaulted her.
On Saturday, just one day before police arrested Purpura, a white male with facial hair approached the girl near Winchester High School and asked her for the time, according to police. She told him she did not know what time it was, and he walked away, disappearing through a tunnel. The girl walked through the tunnel a short time later, and the man grabbed her, covered her mouth, and picked her up.
She was able to struggle free, running to a nearby field where she approached a group of adults and told them what happened, police said.
Police searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect.
Now, Winchester Police believe they have linked Purpura to the assault of the girl. He was charged with attempted kidnapping on Monday afternoon, according to police, who said there may be additional charges forthcoming.
“Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case, and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident,’’ Winchester Police Chief Kenneth Albertelli said. “I also want to recognize the victim in this case. Despite a terrible trauma and attempted abduction, this young girl had the presence of mind to fight off her attacker and immediately report what had happened to a group of adults. She is very brave.’’
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