Paul Toussaint, Chief
23 Wakefield Street
Rochester, NH 03867
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Media Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net
Rochester Police Seek to Identify Suspect in Violent Attack on 18-Year-Old Woman
Anyone with Information asked to call 603-330-7128
ROCHESTER, N.H. — Police Chief Paul Toussaint and the Rochester Police Department are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect wanted after a violent and unprovoked attack of an 18-year-old woman last week.
The victim has given the Rochester Police Department permission to share video footage of the attack. The video clip is graphic, and the department is only releasing a small portion of the beginning of the attack.
On June 12, 2017 at 10 p.m., the Rochester Police Department responded to Planet Fitness at 306 North Main St. for a reported assault. Upon arrival, officers found an 18-year-old female who told police that she was walking out to her car when she was attacked from behind.
The victim was punched a total of 39 times and was thrown to the ground and struck in the head by the suspect’s knee.
“This was a violent, unprovoked, and cowardly attack on an innocent person,” Chief Toussaint said. “We are urgently seeking the public’s help in order to identify this individual and place him under arrest. If you recognize the suspect, please call. The public is our eyes and ears.”
The suspect is described as a white male in his 20s. He was wearing a white t-shirt, shorts, white sneakers, a baseball hat, and sunglasses. He is believed to have fled in a lightly-colored Ford Fusion or similar vehicle.
The victim was treated by Frisbie EMS and sustained serious injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
The Rochester Police Department is asking anyone who may have information that could assist with this investigation to call Officer Frank Porfido at 603-330-7128. Those with information can also remain anonymous by calling the Rochester Crime Line at 603-335-6500 or by sending a text message to: CRIMES (274637) Body of Text: TEXT4CASH + your tip. A cash reward is offered for information that leads to an arrest.
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