Cops: Woman escapes attacker in Pennypack Park

For the second time in just over three weeks, a woman has narrowly escaped a terrifying attack and possible rape in Pennypack Park, according to police.

At 7:36 a.m. yesterday, a 28-year-old woman was listening to music while she walked to work along Holme Avenue near Winchester.

She didn't hear anything as an overweight man wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, sweatpants and a white plastic mask assaulted her from behind and tried to drag her into Pennypack Park, a police report said.

The attacker didn't get far. The victim punched him the face, the report said, and then fled to the nearby Northeast Community Center, where she works. She was unharmed in the attack, except for a scratch on her hand.

Police said the woman was unable to provide a description of the attacker because he had pulled his hood tightly around his face and had covered his hands with his sleeves.

Police searched the area with dogs. During the search, Lincoln High School and Meehan Austin Middle School were put on temporary lockdown, according to Philadelphia School District spokesman Fernando Gallard.

About 4:40 p.m. on Oct. 1, a man posing as a police officer attacked a 25-year-old woman who was walking with her daughter on Algon Avenue near Tustin, according to police.

The woman managed to escape and report the incident to police. The assailant was described as a 30- to 35-year-old white man, about 5 feet 11 and at least 200 pounds. He was dressed in black pants, a gray shirt, and wore dog tags.

Tipsters can call the police Special Victims Unit at 215- 685- 3253.