Boston police

Rideshare Operator Arrested in Connection to Boston Sexual Assault

Boston police officers have arrested a rideshare driver in connection to a sexual assault in the South End.

Ranjan Thapa, 26, of Everett, was arrested and charged with rape Sunday.

Officers responded around 1:03 a.m. Sunday to a call for a sexual assault in the area of Hemenway Street in Boston. 

Northeastern University police officers had stopped a man who identified himself as a rideshare operator who was taking a female passenger to her home.

Police on scene made observations that led them to believe the female passenger was in distress and may have been the victim of a sexual assault.

She was transported to an area hospital for treatment.

The Boston Police sexual assault unit investigated the incident, leading to the arrest and charge against Thapa.

The incident remains under investigation by the Boston Police Department.

Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives in the sexual assault unit at 617-343-4400. For those who wish to assist the investigation anonymously, you can do so by calling the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS or by texting the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).

Thapa will be arraigned Monday in Roxbury District Court. It's not immediately clear if he has a lawyer.

No other information was immediately available.

If you’re a victim of a sexual assault that has or has not been reported to police and would feel more comfortable seeking confidential advice from a non-law enforcement agency or representative, the Boston Police Department advises and encourages you to call the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center at 1-800-841-8371. BARCC provides free and confidential counseling, case management, legal and medical advocacy services to survivors in the greater Boston area.

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