Cops ID suspect in parking garage rape

Philadelphia police have identified the suspect in custody in a New Year's Day rape in a parking garage in the city's Franklintown section.

Police said this morning that 32-year-old Steven Woodson, of Pittsburgh, is being charged in the Thursday assault inside the garage at 17th and Callowhill streets.

Police said the 33-year-old woman told investigators that she entered the garage to pick up her vehicle at about 10:35 a.m. and was approached from behind while getting off a second-floor elevator.

The unknown man placed his hand over her mouth and told her to give him money, police said. When the woman offered her purse, the assailant said he wanted cash only and choked the victim until she lost consciousness.

When the victim woke up, she was between two parked cars, with the man on top of her. He demanded that she take out the battery from her cell phone; when she wasn't able to remove it, the assailant beat her head and face, and the woman again lost consciousness.

Police said the woman was sexually assaulted when she regained consciousness.

During the attack, which occurred near the Community College of Philadelphia, the woman broke free and ran toward another car, screaming for help.

The suspect fled, followed by a witness until that person lost sight of him near the 400 block of North 17th Street, police said. Woodson was stopped by officers in that same area about 11 a.m. Thursday, authorities said.

The victim was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital in stable condition.

Officials said Woodson is being charged with rape, attempted murder, aggravated assault, robbery and other offenses.