Unknown man punches woman in face, tells her to get in his car in Center City, police say

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are investigating two violent attacks that occurred in Center City on Sunday morning.

However, investigators do not believe the two attacks are connected.

One happened around 6 a.m. on the 200 block of South 13th Street.

Police said a man driving a red Mitsubishi sedan pulled up to the curb, exited the car and physically attacked a 24-year-old woman, punching her in the face while yelling at her to get in the car.

According to investigators, the victim screamed and ran away. The man then returned to his car and drove north on 13th Street.

Police described the suspect as a black male in his late teens to early twenties with a thin build, approximately 5'9", with short "frizzy" hair. At the time of the incident he was wearing light-colored shorts and a black t-shirt.

The car is described as a red Mitsubishi with no hub caps on any of its wheels and a possible Uber emblem on the passenger side front windshield.

Police have surveillance video in the area that shows the car and the man they believe is responsible for the attack. The woman suffered minor injuries.

The second incident also occurred around 6 a.m., Sunday, about a block and a half away. Police said a 37-year-old woman was raped around 12th and Latimer streets.

The woman was taken to a local hospital where she was last listed in stable condition.

Some residents Action News spoke with said they're on edge after hearing about this.

"That's really unexpected in this area," said Mallory McKenna, who lives in Kensington.

Police said it's important to be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking alone.

"Early Sunday mornings, you know how quiet the streets can be, so try and go with somebody, stay on a heavily traveled path," said Mark Bergmann, captain of Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit.

Police said they have stepped up patrols in the area, and they said if you see this suspect do not approach him but rather contact 911 immediately.