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Suspect in Custody in Screwdriver Attacks

Thursday, December 14, 2006

PHILADELPHIA - December 14, 2006 (WPVI) -- A sense of relief is spreading through University City, where a man brandishing a screwdriver or ice pick robbed eight women last month. Action News has learned that police now have a suspect in custody.

"I'm excited," said Michelle Bensignor. "I've been walking home with a specta-guard almost every night now. I'll be glad not to have to look over my shoulder every time I go somewhere."

"I was definitely more careful, walked with friends more. I had Penn security walk me places when I knew I'd be by myself," added Lindsay Zucker.

Most of the robberies occurred in the same general area with 4 victims being targeted near 40th and Pine Streets. None of the victims were physically harmed.

"I'm slowly feeling a little better now that the weeks have gone by, especially now that they've got the guy in custody," said one of the attack victims.

The assault initially soured the urban studies graduate student's on life in the big city.

"It just made me really uncomfortable to walk alone by myself anymore or just to even go out at night," she said.

Police had issued surveillance video of the person they thought responsible for the attacks. Sources tell Action News, the suspect was under arrest on unrelated charges when police determined he appears to be the weapon-wielding bandit. Investigators suspect his incarceration explains the lack of attacks for two weeks.

"I was wondering about that. Because there came a point where we didn't hear anything else about it and were like, 'guess he went away,'" said Courtney Hilts.

Police continue to search for a different man who has been sexually assaulting women in Center City. While women may feel a little safer with one suspect off the streets, the screwdriver attack victim plans to keep it in perspective.

"I think you should never let your guard down," she said. "Especially since this happened to me, I'm just going to always keep an eye out and take care of myself when I'm walking around."

No official comment from police, but a news conference is expected on Friday.

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