Sketch released of thug who pistol-whipped, robbed detective

Police have released a sketch of a man they say robbed and pistol-whipped an off-duty homicide detective as she jogged on the Ben Franklin Bridge Tuesday morning.

The suspect, who was riding a powder-blue 10-speed racing-style bicycle, approached the detective shortly before 7 a.m. on the north side of the walkway on the Camden side of the bridge and announced the robbery, police said.

When the detective put up a fight, he pulled out a gun and smacked her in the face with it, police said.

The man ripped the detective's necklace off and threw her cell phone in the river before fleeing east toward Camden, police said.

The necklace is described as a 16-inch gold rope chain with an gold heart pendant and a round diamond stone, according to Lt. Frank Vanore, a police spokesman.

The attacker is described as a white or Hispanic man 25 to 30 years old, about 5 feet 6, with olive complexion, stocky build and brown curly, unkempt hair, Vanore said.

He was wearing an oversized dark-blue pullover sweat shirt, dark baggy jeans and sneakers.

The detective was treated for minor injuries at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Vanore said.

Police are urging anyone with information about the attack to call 215-686-TIPS.

"This was a situation that just grew in violence," Vanore said.

"He must have thought that at that time of the morning, he would have enough of a time frame to get away with it, but he's a dangerous individual we need to get off the street." *