Massachusetts State Police have suspended two troopers amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged sexual assault that took place on Martha’s Vineyard in August. Authorities say Edward J. Brown, a Boston Public Schools safety official, has been charged with rape in connection with the incident.

According to prosecutors, the alleged assault occurred on August 14 at temporary housing used by state troopers assigned to the island for the summer. This dwelling is located separately from the main barracks at 51 Temahigan Avenue in Oak Bluffs. Brown, 27, was staying at the housing with a friend identified as Trooper Costello, who reportedly hosted Brown during the weekend of the alleged crime.

The victim, a woman, met Brown that evening at the Ritz Cafe in Oak Bluffs. Prosecutors say they left together by Uber to the barracks area. The Uber driver reported that the woman appeared heavily intoxicated while Brown did not. The victim told investigators she awoke in an unfamiliar location and, as she tried to get up, Brown allegedly held her by the neck and raped her despite her efforts to resist. Afterward, she asked Brown for water and managed to flee, described by authorities as “‘running for her life.’”

Oak Bluffs Police Chief Jonathan Searle and prosecutors reported that when Trooper Branca arrived at the scene on Temahigan Avenue, the victim was inside a black SUV driven by a good Samaritan. Branca directed the driver to take the victim to Martha’s Vineyard Hospital, where police and medical personnel were waiting.

Brown was arrested on October 9 at Boston Latin Academy in Boston. He pleaded not guilty at an arraignment in Edgartown District Court and was released on $10,000 bail. He has since been placed on leave from his position with Boston Public Schools.

The State Police have taken steps to tighten security at the Martha’s Vineyard barracks. A State Police spokesperson said that overnight guests are now prohibited at trooper housing, and visitors to nonpublic areas must have written approval from the barracks commander and be accompanied at all times. State Police Superintendent Kerry Noble confirmed the agency is fully cooperating with the district attorney’s office in its investigation.

The State Police Association of Massachusetts, which represents troopers, has not commented on the suspensions. The investigation remains ongoing.