'Person of Interest' in South Philadelphia sex assault in custody

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The person of interest wanted in connection with a sexual assault, and an attempted sexual assault, in South Philadelphia is now in police custody.

An arrest warrant was issued for 32-year-old Raheem Felder on a parole violation. According to relatives, he just got out of prison after serving 12 years for attempted murder.

Police don't have enough evidence yet to charge Felder for the sexual assault and the attempted sexual assault but he's considered a person of interest.

They are awaiting the results of DNA testing to see if he is linked to the crimes and he remains in custody.

Felder was identified as a person of interest after police released surveillance video and still images this week.

A $10,000 reward was posted and tips poured in, helping to identify Felder.

Police want to question him in connection with the rape of a woman around 5:30 a.m. Monday inside her home on the 1800 block of South Rosewood Street.

They also want to talk to him about an attack and attempted sexual assault of a woman in her home on the 1700 block of Chadwick Street back in late March.

Action News was there as U.S. Marshals and Philadelphia police executed a search warrant at his home on the 1300 block of South Chadwick Street in Point Breeze on Thursday.

Sources tell Action News two pairs of gloves, a hoodie, and shoes have been recovered that match those of the suspect's description.

During the investigation of the sexual assault on Rosewood Street, police said it appears possible the attacker committed a burglary and then left the home before returning moments later.

According to Captain John Darby, it appears he entered the home on the 1800 block of South Rosewood Street around 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Authorities believe that's when he stole the victim's car and dropped it off on Chadwick Street. Police say he then returned to the home, demanded money from the victim, and sexually assaulted her.

Police say the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she talked to police.

Investigators also believe the same man may be responsible for another attack that happened back in March.

In that case, a woman was attacked inside her home, which was also on Chadwick Street.

The Rosewood Street victim couldn't make out a description, but the Chadwick Street victim gave police enough detail for a composite sketch.

The Chadwick Street victim talked to Action News earlier this week, saying the man got into her home, demanded money, then tried to sexually assault her while her children were in the house. She and a son fought back and he fled.

"He grabbed me by the hair and throat. I thought he was going to kill me," the victim said.

The Mayor's office has approved a $10,000 reward for the apprehension and conviction of the suspect.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.