Early Tuesday morning, a ride-share driver was arrested after he allegedly raped a woman in Dorchester.
Boston Police have arrested Michael Squadrito, 40, of Everett and charged him with rape.
The woman used a ride-sharing service from downtown Boston to Dorchester.
Squadrito will be arraigned Wednesday in Dorchester District Court.
From BPD news:
Members of the Boston Police Sexual Assault Unit arrested Michael Squadrito, 40, of Everett for rape. Squadrito’s arrest stems from an incident that occurred early on Tuesday, November 6, 2018. In this incident, the female victim was using a ride sharing service returning home from downtown Boston. The driver of the service drove to a location in Dorchester where he sexually assaulted the victim.
Michael Squadrito will be arraigned today in the Dorchester District Court.
We continue to urge anyone who has been a victim of a sexual assault and is in need of helpful resources, to please contact the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center 24-hour hotline at 1-800-841-8371.
TIPS FOR ENSURING YOUR PERSONAL SAFETY:
• Always be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. When parking, walking or returning to your car, remain in well-lit and populated areas.
• Wear sneakers or shoes that allow for added mobility.
• Be watchful and aware. Keep your head up. Make quick eye contact with those around you and be observant of passing vehicles. Don’t become distracted by talking on a cell phone or listening to an iPod/similar device.
• Avoid walking alone late at night. Walk with friends and people you know.
• Keep a whistle within reach. If you feel threatened, use the whistle to signal residents that you need assistance. Yelling “Fire!” “Help!” and/or “Rape!” are ways of drawing attention and alerting people that you need help.
• Hold your car keys in your hand to use as a weapon against an attacker.
• Carry a cell phone.
• Call ahead to your destination to alert them that you’re on your way. Make sure they expect you at a certain time, so that in the event you fail to show up, they’ll know enough to begin looking for you.
• Walk with confidence. Be assertive. Don’t let anyone violate your space. Trust your instincts. Know this: anyone at any time can be a victim of crime. Don’t assume, “IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME.”
• If an unarmed attacker confronts you, believe in your ability to scare, distract, or even incapacitate the attacker enough to escape.
• If you think that someone is following you, switch direction or cross the street. Walk toward an open store, restaurant or residence.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
