Philadelphia Police Searching For Suspect After Woman Violently Attacked, Raped In Love Park
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are investigating after a woman was raped in Love Park on Saturday morning. Police say the woman was on her way to work early Saturday when the man came up behind her, punched her, knocked her to the ground and then raped her.
Police released video of the suspect on Tuesday. They say after the attack, he ran into the subway system to get away.
Police say the 41-year-old victim just got off the subway at 15th Street, around 5:20 a.m. She was followed by the man, who then raped her within the park, according to police.
Witnesses heard her screams and contacted 911. When police arrived, they say the man hid in the subway tunnels and was eventually able to get away.
Police arrived and the suspect fled. Authorities say officers caught up with him, but that the man jumped about 25 feet down from street level into the subway entrance below.
"He jumped, he landed, he got up and ran inside the concourse," Philadelphia Police Capt. Mark Burgmann said.
Three days after the crime, investigators dusted for prints and continued to comb for evidence, trying to track down a rapist.
People say they're concerned about their safety following the rape.
"It makes me nervous because I work around here and I get off at 3 in the morning," Shantale Williams said. "Now that I'm aware of what happened in the park, I'm going to walk right around."
"That's the scariest part, he's still out here. Everybody has to stay safe," one person said.
Police say Love Park is generally safe and say they haven't had any sexual assaults there recently.
They say women and men must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings.
"You should always be aware of your surroundings -- always. Just try to be aware if anybody is following you," Burgmann said. "She was followed, in this particular case, and he snuck up on her."
Police say the suspect may have injured himself during that high jump so he may be walking with a limp.
If you have any information, you're asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.
CBS3's Howard Monroe and Alexandria Hoff contributed to this report.
