Brookline police search for man who groped girl near high school

On a Monday afternoon around 1:15 PM, a 14-year-old student at Brookline High School was allegedly groped by an unknown man while walking between buildings on campus. The suspect, described as being in his 20s, approached the girl and reached into her pants, prompting a police investigation. Brookline police are facing challenges due to the absence of surveillance cameras in the area, which limits their ability to gather evidence. The lack of cameras is a concern for both safety and accountability within the school environment. Deputy Superintendent Paul Campbell highlighted the difficulties posed by the lack of surveillance, stating that while the school prefers to avoid extensive monitoring, it complicates investigations like this one. Police are actively searching for footage from nearby MBTA stops and local businesses, hoping to find any evidence of the suspect's movements before or after the incident. The absence of cameras has raised questions about safety measures in schools, especially in light of recent events. Community members have expressed mixed feelings about the presence of surveillance cameras. Some students understand the school's perspective but acknowledge the need for better security measures to address issues like vandalism and safety. Campbell emphasized the importance of keeping students safe and suggested that more cameras could help prevent incidents like this in the future. In response to concerns from families about safety, Campbell reassured the community that Brookline is generally a safe place, and the incident was unexpected. He noted that the student was simply going about her day, highlighting the need for vigilance and support in ensuring the safety of all students.