Patrick Barry, 21, was arrested in connection with two attempted sexual assaults in Mission Hill. Credit: BPD
A 21-year-old Northeastern University student today pleaded not guilty to robbing and assaulting two women at knifepoint early Saturday, and was ordered to stay away from Mission Hill, Huntington Avenue and Northeastern.
A judge set $20,000 bail and imposed a 9 p.m. curfew Patrick Barry, who was arraigned in West Roxbury District Court on charges of assault with intent to rape and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. He was also ordered not to contact any victims or witnesses in the case.
It was not clear today whether Barry had posted bail.
Police said the first victim was allegedly attacked from behind as she walked along Huntington Avenue around 2 a.m. Saturday, and sustained cuts to her face, arms, and hands during the struggle. The second attack happened around 3 a.m., and was similar in nature.
Prosecutors said the defendant, armed with a knife, grabbed the victim, took her purse and cell phone, and dragged her to the area of 15 Vancouver St., where he attempted to sexually assault her. The woman screamed and was able to escape. She was transported to an area hospital for treatment.
Barry was identified with the assistance of individuals who contacted investigators after surveillance images were released to the public, prosecutors said. The witnesses told police that Barry was bleeding from cuts to his face in the early hours of Sunday morning and that he claimed to have sustained when he was confronted by a knife-wielding attacker whom he fought off using his own knife, prosecutors said.
He is expected to return to court on July 8.
Barry’s booking photo shows a vertical scratch on his face.
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