Man suspected in 9 attacks, including sex assaults, in South Philly

Police on Saturday reported another sexual attack in South Philadelphia, bringing to at least nine the number of assaults on women in that part of the city since December.

The latest incident was Thursday at 11:30 p.m, when a 33-year-old woman was sexually assaulted and robbed of $50 on the 400 block of Mifflin Street, police said. She described her attacker as a male riding a bicycle. Police said they believe he is the same person shown in previously released video surveillance and photos regarding other reported attacks on women.

Those include the rape of a woman on Feb. 15 in the 1500 block of Bancroft Street, police said. The perpetrator sometimes is armed with a knife, police said.

The first incident happened Dec. 20, about 1:40 a.m. in the 700 block of South Street, police said. The victim was accosted by the perpetrator but was able to push him away and flee to her home.

Police also released surveillance video of the suspect in one of the attacks, on Jan. 26 in the 600 block of South 16th Street.

About 12:15 a.m., the victim entered the building where she lives when an unidentified man opened the door after her, sexually assaulted her, and stole her purse. The suspect was generally described as a medium-complexion black male, about 5-foot-8 with a medium build. He has a goatee and appeared to be about 30 years old.

The man can be seen in the video riding a bicycle back and forth in the neighborhood.

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson on Saturday asked residents to turn in surveillance footage from their home-security cameras to police.

“Women in South Philadelphia should not have to be stressed over their safety when leaving or returning to their homes alone, and locking their doors in fear at night, because a serial predator has not been caught,” Johnson said in an emailed statement.

Anyone with information about the suspect can call 215-686-TIPS (8477), text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847, or dial 911.