Police Searching For Suspect In Attack On College Student In Center City
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are looking for a suspect wanted in the attempted robbery and stabbing of a 19-year-old student as she walked home in Center City.
Authorities say the victim, who attends the Moore College of Art and Design, was walking along the 2000 block of Cherry Street around 11:30 pm on November 15 when the suspect grabbed her from behind and started punching and stabbing her in the torso, while trying to take her handbag.
Police say after he failed to grab the bag, the suspect took off and was last seen running towards Logan Square from Race Street.
He is described by police as a 6-foot tall black man with a thin build, about 25 years old.
The victim was taken to the hospital where she was treated for her injuries.
"I think it's a shame," student Nayo Fesseha told Eyewitness News.
Meanwhile, police are urging people to play close attention to what's around them when they're out, especially at night.
"I just want people to be aware of their surroundings," Philadelphia Police Lieutenant John Stanford said. "It looks like this young lady was trying to do that but again, you have individuals that are out there and they look to prey on people that are walking by themselves."
Police are also asking the public to take a look at this surveillance video to see if the suspect looks familiar.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at (215) 686-TIPS.
Tips can be submitted anonymously.
