Video released of suspect in sex assault of Temple student
NORTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police released surveillance video Friday identifying a suspect wanted for the sexual assault of a Temple University student earlier this week in North Philadelphia.
Around 11:35 p.m. Monday the 20-year-old student was sexually assaulted in the 1400 Block of North Carlisle Street, south of campus.
Surveillance footage shows the suspect boarding a southbound SEPTA subway train late Monday night at the Broad and Erie station, police said.
The suspect then boarded a train at Broad and Cecil B. Moore, prior to the incident, just a few blocks away from where the attack occurred.
Police said the victim left the library with a friend with whom she parted ways with at Broad and Cecil B. Moore.
The victim told police she heard footsteps behind her as she approached Carlisle, and then a man with a small silver handgun struck her arm and told her not to scream.
VIDEO: Surveillance video released by police
He pushed her up against a wall in a construction area, sexually assaulted her, then fled on foot, police said.
The attack on the coed left the Temple University community rattled Friday night.
"It happened really closed to where I live so that's probably what made me the most nervous about it," said Allison Dirente, a Temple sophomore.
"I don't actually live on this side of campus, I live on Park Ave., and it's kind of in a sketchy area," said Rose Shisler, a student at Temple. "I've already been afraid of walking home, but after this I'm just hoping that they find the guy."
The suspect is described as a black male in his mid-20s, 6 feet tall with a thin build and a goatee. He is pictured wearing blue jeans, black boots, a gray or green puffy vest over a dark hoodie and a black hat.
"This is our suspect in our particular incident ... as well as at least one of the other incidents," said Capt. John Darby of the Philadelphia Police SVU unit.
Anyone with information is asked to call 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.
