The reward is now up to $7,500 for information leading to the arrest of 32-year-old Christopher Reeves of South Philadelphia.
Police believe Reeves attacked a woman working at the Bean Exchange coffee house in Bella Vista early Thursday morning.
Reeves is described as 6'5" tall, 180 pounds, and was last seen wearing a yellow hooded sweatshirt. His left hand may also be bandaged, police said, because of an injury suffered prior to the crime.
The initial $6,500 reward was announced during a news conference about the case on Friday afternoon.
The Fraternal Order of Police put up $2,500; the U.S. Marshal's Service posted $2,500; the Bella Vista Town Watch posted $1,000; while the "Bean Exchange," where the attack took place, put up $500.
F.O.P. President John McNesby said his organization's reward is being offered for the arrest only. McNesby emphasized that "If we get this guy off the street today, you get paid today."
"We don't want this happening to another person. This is not something that should be taking place in the City of Philadelphia," McNesby added.
Police say at about 6:15 a.m. Thursday, the suspect approached a 29-year-old female employee as she was opening the Bean Exchange Coffeehouse at the corner of 7th and Bainbridge streets in the city's Bella Vista neighborhood.
He told her he was homeless, police say, and needed a dollar to get back to the shelter. She gave him a dollar and he left.
However, about 15 minutes later, he allegedly came back, announced a robbery and took $173 from the register.
Police say Reeves then forced the employee into the bathroom and raped her.
The victim suffered multiple injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment.
They say Reeves has at least 14 prior arrests for robbery and burglary in the area.
He had been seen in the area of South Street in South Philadelphia prior to this incident, police said. He had also been seen in the 69th and Woodland Avenue in Southwest Philadelphia.
Police say the suspect should be considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, they say do not approach him and to call 9-1-1 immediately.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 215-686-TIPS (8477). Anonymous tips can also be submitted online at www.phillypolice.com.
