Have you seen him? Man wanted for string of sexual assaults in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (WPHL) — Police are looking for a man they say is responsible for a string of sexual assaults in Center City and South Philadelphia.

According to the Philadelphia Police Department, there are five sexual assaults under investigation between July 18 and August 3. Police believe the pattern is based on the same tactics, offender description, and location.

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The first assault happened on July 18 at 6:40 a.m. on the 1900 block of Spruce Street. According to police, the victim was walking her dog when police say the suspect approached and sexually assaulted her. Less than 24 hours later, on July 19 at 3:13 a.m. on the 2000 block of Delancey Street, the victim told police she was trying to enter her apartment building when an unknown offender approached and sexually assaulted her.

Two weeks later, on August 2 at 8:15 a.m. on the 1600 block of Waverly Street, the victim said that the offender approached her from behind, reached over her shoulder, and sexually assaulted her.

The fourth assault happened on August 3 at 1 a.m. on the 400 block of South 15th Street. The victim said that while walking to her car, the offender approached her from behind and sexually assaulted her. Less than 12 hours later, at 12:30 p.m. on the 2500 block of Webster Street, the victim said that while unlocking her front door, an unknown man walked up from behind and sexually assaulted her.

Police released images of the suspect Monday evening. He is described as a 25 to 30-year-old Black man with a thin build, about six feet tall, with long twists/braids, sometimes worn in a ponytail.

The Philadelphia Police Department is urging anyone with information about the suspect to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251. Tips can be submitted anonymously online, by calling or texting 215-686-TIPS (8477), or emailing tips@phillypolice.com.