PHILADELPHIA — After news broke of a violent rape in one of Philadelphia’s most trafficked tourist areas Tuesday, the Fraternal Order of Police in Philadelphia is offering a reward for information leading to the suspect’s arrest.
The FOP announced a $5,000 reward for information that results in the man’s arrest.
“We need to get this brazen menace off the streets right away,” Philadelphia FOP President John McNesby said. “This attack right in the heart of Center City is alarming and disturbing.”
The incident occurred at about 5:20 a.m. on Saturday in LOVE Park on JFK Boulevard.
The victim, a 41-year-old woman, got off a train at 15th Street in Center City and walked through the park to work when she was assaulted by a man who then raped her in the park, police said.
While in the park, a man came up behind her, punched her several times, knocking her to the ground.
Police said the man then raped her.
Witnesses heard her cries for help and called 911, which led to police chasing the suspect, police said.
Responding officers saw the man and chased him to 15th and Market street.
The suspect tried to hide in a stairwell leading to the concourse but officers found him and a struggle ensued.
That’s when police said the suspect jumped 25 feet down to a concourse level and escaped them.
Police described the man as a light complected black man in his 20s or 30s with dreadlocks. He was wearing a red, white, and blue horizontally striped jacket with a fur lined hood, blue jeans, and black, red, and white sneakers.
Police said he may be injured due to jumping down the 25 feet but did not find anyone matching his description in area hospitals.
If you see this suspect, do not approach him and instead contact 911 immediately.
To submit a tip via telephone, dial 215-686-8477 or text a tip to 773847. Use this electronic form to submit a tip anonymously.
All tips will be confidential.
If you have any information about this crime or this suspect, contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3252.