Teen Ambushed at Boston’s Museum of Science: Suspect Arrested After Disturbing Attack
A teen’s fun day at Boston’s Museum of Science turned into a nightmare when a man ambushed her in a bathroom. 🌐 #News #BostonMA #Massachusetts #Crime
BOSTON, MA – A day meant for fun and learning at Boston’s Museum of Science turned terrifying for a 15-year-old girl when a man allegedly hid in a bathroom stall, waiting to ambush her. The attack has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about safety at popular family destinations.
A Terrifying Encounter in a Public Restroom
Yandri Hernandez, 24, is facing multiple charges, including kidnapping of a child, strangulation or suffocation, and assault and battery, after allegedly attacking the young girl in the museum’s first-floor restroom last Sunday. According to officials, the teen was visiting the museum with a friend when she entered the restroom alone. Her friend remained outside, unaware of the danger unfolding inside.
After using the bathroom, the girl approached the sink to wash her hands when she felt a hand cover her mouth from behind. At first, she thought it was her friend playing a prank. But as she turned around, she was horrified to see it was a man trying to restrain her. The girl, thinking quickly, screamed and managed to escape, running out of the bathroom for help. Hernandez, meanwhile, fled the scene immediately after the failed ambush.
Witness Reports and Key Evidence
A witness inside the restroom at the time provided crucial information to investigators. She noted seeing both the first and last stalls occupied when she entered and noticed something odd — a pair of black and white sneakers in the adjacent stall that seemed too large to belong to a female. After hearing muffled screams and what sounded like a physical altercation, she reported the incident to the authorities.
Security footage from the museum also played a pivotal role in identifying Hernandez. Video surveillance captured him entering the museum at 10:58 a.m., wearing the same distinctive black and white sneakers. Footage showed him sitting in the lobby near the restroom for about an hour before entering the bathroom, where the attack took place.
Swift Police Work Leads to Arrest
Thanks to the combined efforts of the Massachusetts State Police and Cambridge Police, Hernandez was identified based on the surveillance images and a distinctive tattoo on his left arm. Police were able to quickly track him down, leading to his arrest just days after the attack.
Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden praised the victim’s bravery and the fast work of investigators. “This is a terrifying incident for anyone, particularly for a teenager simply enjoying an outing with a friend at a popular destination. This young woman’s description of her attacker, along with top-notch identification work based on the images disseminated by investigators, led to the defendant being spotted and arrested just days after the incident.” Hayden said.
Legal Action Moving Forward
Hernandez is currently being held without bail and is scheduled for a dangerousness hearing this Friday. If found dangerous, he could remain in custody throughout the trial process. He faces serious charges, including kidnapping and assault, for the brazen attack in a place that’s usually considered safe for families and children.
As the legal proceedings move forward, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers in public spaces and the importance of staying alert — even in places where safety is often taken for granted.
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