Police investigate increasing incidents of sexual assaults in Center City area.
Authorities in Center City are actively investigating a troubling surge in reported sexual assaults following a recent pattern identified by local police. The Special Victims Unit, led by Captain Margo Alleyne-Parker, indicated that there have been five confirmed incidents, three of which occurred within a single weekend. Officials are expressing concern over a potential escalation in these criminal activities, prompting heightened vigilance among community members.
On Sunday, one of the most recent attacks occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Webster Street, where a woman reported that an assailant grabbed her from behind while she was opening her garage door. Additionally, shortly after 1 a.m. on the same day, another woman experienced a similar assault on South 15th Street after leaving a local bar. The man involved in these incidents has been known to approach victims stealthily from behind, leading to distressing encounters.
In another reported case on Saturday, a woman on Waverly Street was assaulted in a comparable manner, with the attacker approaching her unsuspectedly. Two earlier incidents dated back to July, highlighting a consistent pattern over the past few months. An attack on July 18 involved a woman walking her dog near Rittenhouse Square, where she was ambushed shortly after receiving what the assailant deemed a compliment. The following day, another woman was attacked outside her apartment building, resulting in injuries as she struggled to fend off her attacker.
Captain Alleyne-Parker emphasized that these incidents may not encompass the full scope of assaults, as there could be unreported cases fitting a similar profile. Detectives are currently reviewing reports over the past several months to identify any additional incidents. Surveillance video from locations surrounding the assault scenes is also being examined in hopes of producing images of the suspect.
Police recommend that community members remain vigilant and aware of their surroundings, actively encouraging anyone who might witness suspicious behavior to seek help immediately. Victims have described the assailant as a Black male, approximately 6 feet tall, with long dreadlocks, twists, or braided hair, sometimes pulled back into a ponytail, further assisting investigators in their search for the perpetrator.
Local law enforcement is urging individuals to take preventive measures, particularly in the Center City area, as efforts to address this alarming trend continue. The police department encourages anyone with information related to these incidents to come forward, facilitating a collective response to enhance safety and reduce the risk of further attacks within the community.
