Sexual assault at Massachusetts State Police barracks on Martha's Vineyard triggers investigation

An alleged sexual assault at the Oak Bluffs barracks on Martha's Vineyard has prompted an internal affairs probe by Massachusetts State Police.

Internal affairs probe opened after alleged assault at Martha's Vineyard police barracks

Massachusetts State Police have launched an internal affairs investigation following an alleged sexual assault at the Oak Bluffs barracks on Martha's Vineyard, cbsnews.com reports, citing the WBZ-TV I-Team.

The Oak Bluffs barracks serves as accommodation for troopers assigned to work on the island during the summer months. According to sources who spoke to the I-Team, in August a trooper stationed there allowed a male friend to stay overnight at the facility. At some point during the evening, a woman was seen running from the man into the street, partially undressed.

The woman told a passing motorist that she had been sexually assaulted.

Massachusetts State Police issued a statement on Thursday. "At the end of August, the Massachusetts State Police became aware of a reported sexual assault involving two people not affiliated with the department. We are fully cooperating with the local police's investigation into the matter and remain committed to pursuing justice in every sexual assault case," the department said.

In a separate statement, the Oak Bluffs Police Department clarified that Massachusetts State Police have no involvement in the investigation itself. Local investigators obtained probable cause and secured court-authorised search warrants, including warrants executed at the barracks.

"The Massachusetts State Police General Headquarters has cooperated with matters related to the investigation. The Department also has been in communication with the Cape and Islands District Attorney's Office regarding the investigation and findings," Oak Bluffs police said. "The Oak Bluffs Police Department takes allegations of sexual assault extremely seriously. Our investigators have followed the facts and evidence in this case, and we will continue to conduct this investigation thoroughly and independently."

Oak Bluffs is a town in Dukes County on Martha's Vineyard, an island approximately seven miles off Cape Cod with a population of around 5,500 people. The island is accessible only by ferry or airplane, and the Oak Bluffs barracks covers policing across the entire island.

Source: Google News MT — Crime (en)