Suspect wanted in separate groping incidents in Fishtown

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — A teenage girl and a woman each reported separate incidents of a man who touched them inappropriately in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia. 

Police believe one man is responsible for both incidents that were reported during the last week of March, two blocks away from each other.

The first incident was reported on March 25. Police said a woman said that she was on the 1500 of Palmer Street. She said she was bent over while buckling her child into a car seat, and a man pinched her buttocks. 

The second incident involved a 13-year-old girl. Police said she reported that a strange man approached her while she was walking to school on the 1500 block of E. Montgomery Avenue. She said the man grabbed her in a bear hug from behind. She said that when she screamed, the man ran away. 

Later that day, AMY at James Martin Middle School sent a letter to parents and guardians informing them about the incident and added some advice for students, including walking to school with a friend in a populated area, and reporting anything suspicious they may see or experience.

The victims describe the man to be in his 30s. They said he was about 5’6 and had a beard. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.