Attacker pulls woman into Pennypack Park in Holmesburg

HOLMESBURG (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police say a woman was waiting for a bus when a man grabbed her and tried to pull her into Pennypack Park.

It happened around 10 p.m. Saturday at the entrance to Pennypack Park near the corner of Frankford and Solly.

A 31-year-old woman had just left work and was waiting for a SEPTA bus to arrive at the bus stop there when she was sexually assaulted by a man in his late teens or early 20s.

She told police he approached and asked for the time. He then grabbed her and tried to drag her into the park.

She was fondled, police said. But she struggled and managed to eventually force the assailant to flee.

Philadelphia Police Capt. John Darby explains, "There is then an immediate struggle. She kicks, screams, and is able to get free of this male who has her in his grasp. With that, he flees the location."

The corner of Frankford and Solly is a busy SEPTA bus stop during daylight and early evening hours. But late at night local residence say it can be a scary place.

Kelly Weimar and Mike Hickey live in the neighborhood, and say they never walk alone, even in broad daylight.

Weimar says, "It's scary. Yea, I wouldn't want to be walking up here myself. That's why I have somebody... even in the daytime."

Hickey tells us, "My heart goes out to her (the victim) and her family. I don't like to travel alone, by myself, either anymore. I'm always accompanying Kelly everywhere she goes. The neighborhood's just going downhill."

Police are looking for the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact investigators.