Woman robbed, assaulted outside elementary school in Frankford

FRANKFORD (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Police are investigating a robbery and assault on the grounds of an elementary school in the Frankford section of the city.

Crime scene tape blocked off the back school yard at John Marshall Elementary School Wednesday morning.

Police were called out around 5:45 a.m. Wednesday to Griscom and Sellers streets after a woman said she was attacked.

Parents showing up to drop off their children were alarmed to see police.

"A lot of cops out here," Bryheem Mann told Action News. "No one knows why. It actually made me nervous to see cops outside the school."

"I'm sticking around because my son goes to school and my daughter starts tomorrow full-day kindergarten," said Shawney Blackwell. "So I want to know what's going on, if they're going to be safe today."

"I just found our when I came to drop my daughter off," said parent Khalif Bennett. "You just worry about the kids. It's sad. You hope the person is alright."

Police say a woman was pistol-whipped by a man who took her purse and $50 in cash.

The suspect is described at 5'6 - 5'7 with a trimmed beard. He was wearing a light gray hooded sweat shirt and was armed with a silver handgun. Police believe he's 19-20 years old.

Investigators are working to determine if he attempted to sexually assault the victim.

The school district says an automated call went out to parents around 7:00 a.m., telling them to use the main entrance.

No details of the crime were provided in the message, but school district spokesman Fernando Gaillard said the staff was prepared to answer questions from parents.

"We are able to use the main entrance for school children and staff, so we are able to have a full school day today," Gaillard said.

The search for the suspect continues.