Police Investigating Sexual Assault In Center City
By Mike DeNardo and Jericka Duncan
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Police are investigating a possible sexual assault early this morning in Center City.
The reported attack happened at 1600 Stock Exchange Place, an alley near 16th and Sansom Streets, at 1:30 a.m.
Police believe a woman was sexually assaulted in the alley near a couple of dumpsters. The victim was taken to a hospital for treatment, there is no word on her condition.
The alleged victim tells police she helped band members from that night, load equipment into a van. After the band members drove away, she says, she was attacked by a man she did not know.
"I always felt this alley was not safe especially at night because it's not well lit," said Ron Rodier. "But I am shocked to hear this is going on."
According to the man police are calling a person of interest, what happened was not a rape, but rather consensual. The 25-year-old agrees that he didn't know the victim beforehand, but stands by his story, that what he did was not a crime.
Police say "G" Lounge has been cooperative with the investigation. Eyewitness News tried reaching the clubs General Manager, he did not return our phone calls.
There are number of surveillance cameras in the area, including one almost directly over the area blocked off by yellow police tape. Detectives are working to secure that video for their investigation.
