Are South Philadelphia Sexual Assaults Linked? Police Probe Attacks
By Jan Carabeo and Syma Chowdhry
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Police are investigating if a sexual assault is connected to another similar attack just blocks away a few months ago.
The attacks happened in within blocks of each other in South Philadelphia. Both times the women woke up in the middle of the night with the suspect in their room, wearing a distinctive accessory.
Captain John Darby says, "We have a pretty dangerous individual here."
The most recent assault took place just after 5 a.m. Monday morning on the 1800 block of Rosewood Avenue.
A 35-year-old woman says she woke up and saw a stranger standing over her bed. She told police the attacker placed his hand over her mouth, demanded money and then assaulted her.
Police say he took cash, house keys, the victim's roommate's ID and threatened her if she called police.
The man then stole the victim's car, leaving it a few blocks away.
Captain Darby says, "That male is described as a black male in his late 20's early 30's. He was described as being 5'8" to 5'9" tall, had a medium build."
Police say the suspect wore red or orange gloves.
That unique detail is also in another case that happened only a few blocks away on the 1700 block of Chadwick, back in March.
The victim awoke to the man in her room, demanding money.
He then choked and tried to sexually assault the woman, while her children were in the house.
But the victim managed to fight off the suspect.
This composite sketch was made for the attack in March and is being used in both cases.
"Same area, same MO as the entry in the property itself, demand for money," police said.
Authorities say each time, the attack starts off as a robbery and turns violent, although the man does not appear to have a weapon.
Neighbors, like Mimi Evans, are concerned for their safety.
"We have to be aware of our surroundings and we have to make sure our doors and windows are locked."
Leon Smith added, "You are supposed to be safe in your own home."
"It's a shame the ladies were accosted like that. It's sad." said Geraldine Smith.
Captain Darby says, "My guess would be the individual could well be from within that neighborhood."
Police are investigating, trying to find fingerprints or DNA either from the house or the stolen car.
If you have any information you are being asked to contact police.
