Suspect sought in S. Phila. sex assault; another victim speaks out

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A man is being sought in a home invasion and sex assault in South Philadelphia early Monday morning, as the victim of another - and possibly related - attack speaks out.

The most recent incident happened at 5:30 a.m. Monday at a home on the 1800 block of South Rosewood Street.

Investigators say the victim awoke with the suspect standing over her bed. He demanded money then sexually assaulted her.

He fled in the victim's 2007 silver Toyota. It was recovered a few blocks away on Moore Street.

Detectives say the suspect may be the same man who robbed and tried to sexually assault a woman in her home on the 1700 block of South Chadwick Street in March.

The victim of that attack said it began with the man demanding money. Action News is not revealing the identity of the woman.

"He told me to give him the money and I told him I didn't have any money," she said.

She said she couldn't believe what happened next.

"He dropped his pants and motioned that he wanted to have sex with me," the victim said. "I got really scared."

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

The woman said she suddenly felt the courage to fight the man off. During the struggle, a TV in her bedroom fell to the floor, making a lot of noise. The attacker then ran off.

The suspect is described as a black male, about 5'9" tall with a medium build. In both cases, sources say, he was wearing red or orange gloves.

For her part, the victim in the first assault believes the man lives in the neighborhood and worries he is still out there.

"I don't want this to happen to any other woman. I am still very much in fear of this man and I hope they catch him soon," she said.

If you have any information, you are urged to contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit.