Police: Woman sexually assaulted in Germantown barricade

GERMANTOWN (WPVI) -- Police responding to a barricade situation in Germantown, found a woman inside an apartment tied up and sexually assaulted.

It happened Wednesday night on the 100 block of West Queen lane.

Only Action News was there moments after Philadelphia police freed the 27-year-old woman who they say was bound, gagged and raped.

Investigators say it appears her 40-year-old live in boyfriend, who Action News spotted handcuffed and loaded up in the back of a police van, is responsible.

"It's so sad because she's a nice person and from what I saw, I thought he was a nice person," said Erica Lee, neighbor.

Police say they got a tip about the woman being held hostage.

Just after 6:00 p.m., officers say they encountered the suspect who threatened to shoot them if they walked through the door.

About five minutes later, after SWAT teams were called in, the man walked out and surrendered.

The victim was discovered in a back bathroom with a piece of cloth in her mouth and her wrists bound so tightly, there was severe bruising.

"She did have a romantic relationship with this male. They lived together as boyfriend and girlfriend however we are also getting information that she tried to break off this relationship," said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

A friend of the couple sat outside the home surprised as police guarded the front door.

"Their relationship was always on the rocks. They were always arguing and fighting," said Ted Smith.

Police rushed the victim to the hospital to be checked out. They will also interview her to find out exactly what happened.

The name of the suspect has not be released because he hasn't officially been charged.

Police continue to investigate.