Catalano said the entire incident lasted approximately five minutes.

According to Massachusetts sentencing guidelines, Moats could face up to 12 months in prison if convicted of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and causing no or minor injury.

Catalano said HUPD had received two previous reports of Harvard affiliates being asked if they wanted to ride in a man’s car on July 8 and July 9.

“After the HUPD received a second report of an individual asking women if they wanted rides, all shifts were put on notice to be on the lookout for this individual,” Catalano said. “The description of Mr. Moats, the vehicle he was driving and his interactions with the reporting party were similar to those of the previous two incidents.”

“Although the descriptions are similar, we cannot definitively state that Mr. Moats was involved in the previous two incidents,” Catalano added. “The investigation is ongoing.”

Catalano said HUPD does not believe Moats is connected to the several indecent assaults that occurred in the winter.

Catalano said HUPD was aided in making yesterday’s arrest by the woman who flagged down a police cruiser immediately after she was approached by a suspicious person.

“Anyone witnessing suspicious activity should call the HUPD immediately,” Catalano said.

Catalano said if a police cruiser is not in sight, a person can call HUPD directly from the nearest blue light emergency telephone. HUPD can also be reached by dialing headquarters at 617-495-1212 from any phone, Catalano said.

—Staff writer Alan J. Tabak can be reached at tabak@fas.harvard.edu.