A Berklee College of Music student became the latest victim of random violence in the streets of Boston, where she faced an unprovoked attack in broad daylight. The assault happened last Friday, when, as confirmed by Berklee and reported by CBS News Boston, the young woman was exiting a college building near 169-171 Massachusetts Ave. Struck in the face with a closed fist punch by a man she did not know, she subsequently fell, hitting the back of her head.

As she greeted two friends upon leaving the building around 1:27 p.m., the surprise attack by the suspect left her visibly distraught, with clear swelling and redness near her eye, according to the Boston Police Department. The friends corroborated the story, describing the punch as random, as reported by WHDH. After the incident, the perpetrator ran across Massachusetts Avenue, with police unable to apprehend him despite a search.

The assailant was described as a Black man standing about 6 feet tall, wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark red or black pants, as well as carrying a black "bubble" style jacket. The student was promptly taken to Brigham and Women’s Hospital for medical attention, as noted by 7NEWS Boston (WHDH).

Local businesses and residents are alarmed. "We should be able to be safe where we're at," nearby worker Gloria Cora told CBS News Boston. Reflecting on the frequency she is in the area, Northeastern student Ashley Davis added it's "crazy" to think such an event could happen during the day when many people are around. The investigation remains ongoing, with Boston police continuing their search for the assailant.