Another woman assaulted by man on bike in Philly

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Investigators are trying to figure out if an overnight case of groping in South Philadelphia is connected to a string of similar sexual assaults in the city.

This is less than a week after police put out a plea to the public asking for help in catching a serial assailant.

Martha Hitchens of South Philadelphia said, "It is concerning. It's sad, I personally don't walk by myself at that time of night. And even during the day I try to be very much aware of my surroundings."

Also from the neighborhood, Brian Colabella added "It's very concerning, it's very unfortunate. It's pretty disgusting actually."

Folks who live in South Philadelphia have their guard up after learning a woman was groped in the 1600 block of Bainbridge Street on her way home from work.

It's the latest in a number of indecent assaults in the city.

On Wednesday last week, Philadelphia police released surveillance video showing the man they believe is behind four other assaults this month.

Police say the Hispanic man in his 20's with a stocky build wearing a black and orange backpack comes up alongside a woman and touches her inappropriately.

In all but one of the cases police say he was on a bike. In all of the cases the victims were wearing dresses.

Action News is still waiting to hear if this latest incident is connected, but once again police say the woman was assaulted by a Hispanic male on a bike.

We asked folks in this neighborhood what they're doing to keep themselves safe.

Ursula Tooley of South Philadelphia said, "I do have one of those pink mace sprays. I don't always carry it with me, but late at night maybe.

Another resident, Ashley Colabella said, "I always try to keep my eyes peeled, just because of everything I see on the news, and being a woman too, we are sometimes targeted."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit.