Boston Rape Suspect Allegedly Tried To Abduct Girl In Winchester

WINCHESTER (CBS) -- The 36-year-old man charged in a brutal sexual assault in Boston's Fenway neighborhood is now accused of trying to abduct a 10-year-old girl.

Winchester police say Michael Purpura, of Westwood, attacked the girl in a walk through tunnel by Skillings Field.

The girl told police she was approached by a white man with scruffy facial hair. She said he asked her what time it was, and she responded that she didn't know.

Soon after, the man came back as she was walking through the tunnel and put his hand over her mouth and picked her up off the ground, according to police.

"The girl kicked and tried to yell and she was eventually able to get away from the man," police said. "She ran out onto the field and approached a group of adults and told them about the incident, who then called police and the girl's parents."

Surveillance footage pointed police toward Purpura, who is accused of forcing a woman into her Boston apartment and violently sexually assaulting her last week. Authorities said Purpura turned himself in to Medford Police Sunday morning.

"This is a very disturbing case in which a man allegedly attacked a young girl," Chief Kenneth Albertelli said. "Our detectives worked aggressively and diligently to put together a case, and I am grateful that this appears to be an isolated incident."

Police commended the girl for her bravery.

Purpura is being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Thursday.