Man Charged With Rape After Attack On Center City SEPTA Concourse
By Al Novack
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Detectives at Philadelphia's special victims unit have arrested a 42-year-old suspect in connection with an alleged rape and robbery that took place on the Septa concourse near 15th and Market Streets late last night.
Investigators say a 54-year-old female had left a local restaurant just before midnight and was waiting for a train at 1500 Market Street when she was approached by a male, later identified by police as Rafiq Smith.
Police say the male grabbed the victim and pushed her to the ground. Investigators say the suspect then sexually assaulted the victim before taking cash and her cell phone.
Police say Smith was caught near 300 South Broad Street with the stolen items in his pocket within minutes after the incident.
Smith has been charged with rape, robbery, sexual assault, theft, simple assault and related offenses.
The victim was checked out at a local hospital and released in good condition. She did not suffer any life-threatening injuries.
[EDITOR'S NOTE: Law enforcement officials later said they were not immediately able to determine whether the alleged crime had taken place on Septa property.]
