Manhunt intensifies; sketch, video of attacks on women in Juniata Park

JUNIATA PARK - October 16, 2013 (WPVI) -- The Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit held a news conference Wednesday morning following three attacks on women in the Juniata Park section of the city.

Police have released surveillance video and a sketch of the suspect in the attacks. One of the victims was sexually assaulted. The other two victims managed to get away.

The first incident happened at 6:30 a.m. Thursday on the 1400 block of East Lycoming Avenue.

A 22-year-old woman was walking in the 4100 block of Maywood Street on her way to the Erie Torresdale train station when a man armed with a handgun appeared out of a driveway, grabbed her by the jacket, and forced her into the rear of a driveway.

The suspect proceeded to sexually assault the woman and robbed her of $30 before fleeing the scene on foot.

Police believe the man struck again later that morning, this time at 11:40 a.m. along the 4200 block of O Street.

On Tuesday afternoon, police released surveillance video of this incident.

In the video, the suspect, armed with a gun, is seen approaching a 20-year-old woman who was also on her way to the Erie Torresdale trains station.

He pulls the female across the street and tries to take her into the alley. She resists.

Police say an oncoming car seen in the video spooks him and she runs down the block to safety.

Then at 7:20 a.m. Tuesday a 15-year-old girl was walking along the 4200 block of Neilson Street when a man exited a rear driveway and approached the girl. He allegedly tried making conversation with the girl, but when she ignored him he grabbed her by the arm and threatened her.

Action News spoke with this victim's mother Tuesday night.

"It's frightening. I can't even send my daughter to school. She can't even leave her own block," the mother said.

Like the other victim she was on her way to the Erie Torresdale Train Station.

"He tried to ask her name and she kept moving. She doesn't talk to strangers and then he grabbed her and tried to get her in the alley way," the mother said.

The teen managed to break free and ran home; the suspect fled.

Police have released a sketch of the suspect. He is described as a black male in his late 20's to early 30's, standing 5'8" to 5'10" with a thin build, facial hair, and gaps between his teeth. In the latest incident he was wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt with white stitching.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Philadelphia Police at 215-686-TIPS (8477), text a tip to PPD TIP (773847) or through PhillyPolice.com.

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