Philadelphia police identify man arrested for sexually assaulting women while riding on a bike

A photo taken by one of the victims shows the suspect who police say appears to be a middle-aged bald man.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Police have identified the man who was wanted for a series of sex assaults in Philadelphia.

Dequan Jacobs, 35, was arrested in the 2500 block of Reed Street on Tuesday night.
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Investigators say Jacobs is responsible for eight incidents in which he groped women while riding by them on a bike.

Police say detectives were out searching for video when he rode by them.

Dequan Jacobs



The incidents happened on numerous streets including Broad and Walnut on Sunday and Monday.



A photo of the suspect was taken by one of the victims and shared on the Instagram page "Watch Out Philly."

Multiple women came forward with similar accounts.

Young women Action News spoke with say they followed the updates on Instagram, and its a reminder to be alert.

"I have pepper spray on me right now," said Lenny Prosser of Old City.


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Investigators also say they are looking into his possible connection to a string of assaults where the suspect was riding on a scooter.

As this investigation continues, anyone with information is asked to call police at 215-686-TIPS.



(Editor's note: The suspect was originally identified by police as Dequan Jackson).
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