Police Release Identification Of Suspect Wanted In Chinatown Indecent Assaults
By Chelsea Karnash and Tim Jimenez
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – Police have now released the identification of the suspect wanted in connection with the indecent assaults of two females that happened just over an hour apart in Chinatown last week.
The first assault, at 4:55 p.m. on April 26th, occurred in the 1000 block of Spring Garden Street. The suspect reportedly approached the victim from behind and grabbed her buttocks before fleeing on foot.
Shortly thereafter, a second victim was walking north on 11th Street toward Vine Street when the suspect walked by her. The suspect then turned around and grabbed the woman's buttocks from behind. He ran away after the incident.
"Fortunately, he wasn't as aggressive, but we never know what could happen. We're just glad to get him identified. People helped us identify him and those same citizens in that area are going to help us lock him up," said Lt. Ray Evers. "We put a (surveillance) video out Monday and Tuesday we got several tips. Special Victims used that information and had enough probable clause to get an arrest warrant."
Police are now looking for Melvin Bulls, 24, whose last known addresses were on the 1300 block of Ridge Avenue, the 1200 block of South Bonsall Street and the 900 block of Hamilton Street.
"There is an active arrest warrant for indecent assault and unlawful contact with a minor. So, we're looking to get Melvin Bulls off the street as soon as possible," Evers added.
Bulls is a black male who is 6'1" and 160 lbs. If you have any information on his whereabouts, you are asked to call the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3265 or 911.
