A man has been arrested on an indecent assault charge after two reports of sexual assault in a popular area in South Boston over the weekend.
Derek Leslie, a 32-year-old from South Boston, was arrested, Boston police announced Monday.
Leslie is accused of inappropriately touching a woman while she walked along West Broadway three weeks ago.
"He grabbed her left buttocks and she ran away," Assistant District Attorney Jim Duffy said.
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The woman reported it to police after she thought she saw him grab another woman last week. That time, she took video.
Leslie has another case in the court system that started last fall. In that case, prosecutors said a woman reported she was walking her dog when Leslie blocked her way, saying, "you think you're doing to get raped."
He has an extensive criminal history, according to prosecutors, including six prior restraining orders including three different people. Prosecutors say the latest allegations are an example of escalating behavior.
"With an individual who threatens to rape people in, talk inappropriately things to them now he is acting by inappropriately grabbing them," Duffy said.
Leslie was already on bail for a previous case. That bail was revoked for the next 60 days.
The most recent indecent assault and battery incidents occurred in the area of East Broadway and Dorchester streets, police said Saturday. While Leslie was arrested on one charge, police noted that two incidents remained under investigation Monday.
The intersection is near many popular bars and restaurants in the city's Southie neighborhood, and residents have already been on alert after several reports of spiked drinks at bars around the city.
"I also have people very close to me that have had those experiences in South Boston in the last couple of months so it’s definitely something that before we all go out we talk about and everyone is even more concerned than you typically would be," one woman told NBC10 Boston on Saturday.
Detectives from the Boston Police Department's sexual assault unit are investigating the indecent assault and batteries -- an offense that generally refers to touching someone inappropriately without consent -- and are urging anyone with information to contact them by calling 617-343-4400.
Anonymous tips can also be called into the CrimeStoppers tip line at 1-800-494-TIPS, or you can text the word 'TIP' to CRIME (27463).
Victims of sexual assault who would feel more comfortable seeking help from a non-law enforcement agency are encouraged to reach out to the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center for counseling and other free resources.
Boston police have reminded residents to be aware of their surroundings and to walk with people they know when possible, especially at night. Police also advise people to avoid distractions like talking on a cell phone or listening to music, and to call 911 if you believe someone is following you.
