Police Search For Bike-Riding Suspect Wanted In Several Sexual Assaults
By Dan Wing and Greg Argos
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia Police are asking for the public's help identifying a suspect in a string of sexual assaults that took place earlier this month. There were at least five separate attacks in several neighborhoods.
Police say the suspect in most of the incidents, the suspect approached a female victim from behind while on a bicycle, and touched them inappropriately before riding off.
"During these assaults, our victims are wearing dresses," said Captain Mark Burgmann of the Philadelphia Police. 'The offender comes up behind them on his bicycle, reaches up under the dress and sexually assaults all of them."
Officials are investigating these crimes, which occurred in August in the East Passyunk and Washington Square West neighborhoods.
Authorities say one woman even tried fighting back during one of the attacks. "She did punch the offender when he circled back," Burgmann said. "I wouldn't recommend that."
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Women who live and work in the area say they are going to be extra vigilant from now on and change some of their patterns. "I think I'll probably not walk by myself too late at night," said Noel Mitchell.
Investigators worry that future attacks could become even more dangerous. Police describe the suspect as a Latino man with a stocky build. They say he is 5'4" to 5'6" and has black hair.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3264.
