Police Searching For Suspect Who Choked, Robbed Two Victims In Queen Village
By Elizabeth Hur
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A man on a bike strikes in one local neighborhood, choking and robbing two women, and he's still out there.
The two victims, both in their 30s, were attacked in two days. Police are now on alert, and neighbors are on edge.
According to police, the first attack happened in the 600 block of Catherine Street at around 7:30 a.m. Sunday morning. About 24 hours later, police believe the same suspect struck again at 6:30 a.m. on Monday morning in the 400 block of Christian Street.
Both times, the victims were approached from behind, choked and robbed of their purse, wallet, cell phone and cash.
Police say one of the victims actually passed out and woke up later to find her belongings missing.
"It's a little nerve wracking to hear that when you're so close to my house. I live two blocks away," Bernadette Dalton, of Queen Village, says.
Maggy Maffia, also of Queen Village, added, "It does concern me, because I leave very early in the morning for work. I walk seven blocks to 11th Street."
The victims describe the suspect as a black male in his 20s, about 5'9" to 6'0" tall, with a light to medium complexion. In one of the attacks, the suspect was seen riding an older model black bicycle.
"I do think this neighborhood is safe, so I'm surprised," says Dominique De Armond of Queen Village.
De Armond says she has been and will continue to be vigilant.
And Laurie Elder, a property manager in the neighborhood, says she will do her part, too.
"I'm definitely letting my tenants know. I'm sending an email out, and I just told two of them--just as I was doing a showing--to be careful as they're walking around and to keep an eye out."
Police are asking anyone with information to contact investigators at South Detectives at 215-686-3013.
