Suspect arrested in Fishtown kidnapping, rape

FISHTOWN (WPVI) -- The U.S. Marshals and Philadelphia police have arrested a man in the kidnapping and rape of a woman in the Fishtown section of the city.

The suspect, 24-year-old Manuel Cintron, was arrested around 6:30 p.m. Monday on the 700 block of Princeton Avenue.

There was a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest. It is not clear if anyone will receive the reward.

Action News spoke with Michelle Vanguilder who grew up with Cintron in Kensington.

"It was a big surprise. I didn't think he do something like that. Maybe more women will be safer cause you don't know what he was capable of," Vanguilder said.

Cintron's family told Action News off camera this entire situation is "a disgrace."

Cintron had been in hiding since police named him as the suspect in a violent attack.

The assault happened at 5:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1st on the 2000 block of East York Street.

Investigators say Cintron saw the 22-year-old victim, drove around and concocted a plan, and then made his move as the victim walked to work.

He allegedly got out of vehicle and acted like he was walking towards a residence.

As the woman walked by, police say Cintron turned and pointed a handgun at her, and then forced her into a vehicle.

The victim was then driven to an unknown location where she was sexually assaulted inside the vehicle.

She was later released at Almond and Boston street, where Cintron allegedly took a picture of her driver's license. Then, police say, he backed the car down an alley so the victim could not see the license plate.

Investigators say the suspect could possibly be behind an attempted kidnapping at 12th and Ruscomb Streets in Logan just an hour earlier,.

That woman was able to get away.

Cintron faces charges including abduction, sexual assault and related offenses.

Anyone with further information on Manuel Cintron should contact the Philadelphia Police Special Victim's Unit at 215-685-3251 or 215-685-3263.