South Boston Salon Owner Shares Story After Assault to Raise Awareness + Shares a photo of Suspect

1.7 min readBy Maureen DahillPublished On: July 7th, 2026Categories: News7 Comments

The owner of She is Sofie James Salon on East Broadway is speaking out after being assaulted inside her South Boston business last week.

In a social media post, owner Sarah Shaughnessy said the incident happened after she asked an individual to leave the salon. She shared her experience to encourage other salon owners and businesses with predominantly female teams to recognize warning signs, strengthen safety protocols, and trust their instincts.

Shaughnessy said having an all-female staff has always been something she’s proud of, but the incident made her realize it can also create unique safety concerns.

“We chose to share this experience not to create fear, but to create awareness,” she wrote, hoping her story encourages conversations about workplace safety and helps protect other women.

She ended her message with a reminder to women everywhere: “Trust your instincts. Set boundaries without apology. Protect yourself. Protect each other.”

You can read Sarah’s full statement and learn more by visiting Sofie James Salon’s Instagram page.

Here are some photos of the suspect below:

The Boston Police Department District C-6 Detectives are actively investigating the facts and circumstances surrounding this incident. Anyone with information is strongly urged to contact detectives directly at (617) 343-4742.

Community members wishing to provide information anonymously may do so through the Boston Police CrimeStoppers Program by calling 1 (800) 494-TIPS, by texting the word “TIP” to CRIME (27463), or by visiting the Boston Police CrimeStoppers website. Photos and videos related to this investigation may also be submitted anonymously. The Boston Police Department is committed to protecting the identities of all individuals who assist in investigations.

Maureen Dahill

Maureen Dahill is the founder of Caught in Media. Once a longtime wardrobe and prop stylist for brands such as Rue La La, TJ Max & Hasbro, she is a devoted lover of vintage clothing, Martini Mondays, Castle Island, AND a 4th generation South Boston native. Mother of three, married to Peter G.

caughtinsouthie.com

7 Comments

P.J.G. July 8, 2026 at 6:16 am - Reply

It’s definitely not a Southie local.
It could be a lower-ender from the projects.
These businesses must protect themselves with a weapon in today’s atmosphere.
There’s too many crazy people out there today.
Stay safe.
ROBERT July 9, 2026 at 10:37 am - Reply

to P.J.G. Excuse me. You cannot connect this low life scumbag AS FROM THE LOWER END , PROBABLY , THE PROJECT YOU HAVE SOMETHING AGAINST PEOPLE THAT LIVE DOWN HERE FROM THE POOR QUALITY OF THE PICTURES THIS LOWLIFE DOESN’T FIT TO DESCRIPTION OF ANY ONE DOWN HERE AT ALL.
- Susan July 9, 2026 at 2:27 pm - Reply
  
  Really, again someone from the point badmouthing the lower end and the projects. Sad that they think they are better than anyone else. A lot of great people came from the lower end.
- OH, I DON’T KNOW… July 9, 2026 at 5:34 pm - Reply
  
  …”Robert”. I drive through there quite often (out of necessity, actually. Is the roadwork on that side of town EVER gonna end?? But I digress…). My point being:,This dirtball looks like a LOT of the current tenants down D.
  
  One could credibly argue he looks like the MAJORITY, if I’m being honest.
  
  Facts is facts.
TELL THIS BUM… July 9, 2026 at 3:05 pm - Reply

…to meet me up the Muni Saturday morning, we’ll go a few rounds.

I’ll give him a “facial” he won’t soon forget.

But he won’t.

COWARD.
Steve July 9, 2026 at 4:43 pm - Reply

your both funny
T July 9, 2026 at 5:37 pm - Reply

This man came to my salon on Newbury st and the same happened! We were all so scared and got a video .. he got very aggressive