Police search for man who attacked 13-year-old girl in Brockton

BROCKTON – Brockton police are searching for a man who sexually assaulted a teenage girl on her way home from school Tuesday afternoon. The call came into school police on Wednesday and officers began searching the area.

“A man approached her and sexually assaulted her, but she was able to escape,” said Brockton police spokesman Darren Duarte.

The 13-year-old attends West Middle School. Police say a fight broke out near a driveway at 270 West Elm Street. The man is described by police as a black male in his 20s wearing a black shirt with colorful lettering and riding a blue bicycle with white lettering. The person, police say, was also missing two front teeth.

Police credit the girl for her quick reaction. “I think she was very smart because she was able to break free from the attacker's grip and go home,” Duarte said.

Man interrogated by police

Near the crime scene on Wednesday, police were seen questioning a man who was eventually placed in a patrol car along with a motorcycle. It was not revealed whether he is a person of interest in the case. “In many cases, you get descriptions and if the police find something that fits, they question her,” Duarte said.

The Brockton School Board issued a statement to families that said, in part, “We are working closely with the Brockton Police Department to both support the student involved and his family, as well as assist police in identifying a suspect. Brockton School Police maintained an increased presence in the West area at the end of school today and will be providing additional support in the coming days.”

Students are called to be vigilant

The superintendent and police are urging vigilance in the area. “Make sure you are alert, that your student is also alert and aware of their surroundings,” Duarte said.

The investigation is ongoing and police are trying to speak to witnesses or obtain surveillance video in the busy area.