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May 2, 2006 1:15 pm US/Eastern
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Latest In String Of Sexual Assaults By Man On Bike
PHILADELPHIA (CBS 3) ―
Police are searching for a suspect responsible for a series of sexual assaults throughout Philadelphia. Authorities said that the suspect targets young women and then flees on a bicycle.
Students at Northeast High School are on high alert.
"My mom's scared for me to come to school now. She told me to be protected. You cant even barely go out of the house without having adults around," said Brittany Luroe.
The latest incident occurred over the weekend and officials said it shows the suspect is becoming more aggressive.
Police said on Saturday, two 15-year-old females and an 18-year-old male were walking near the Jardell Playground on the 1500 block of Cottman Ave when the suspect approached them with a small black handgun around 12:15 a.m.
Jessica Sancana said, "I used to hang there last year, but I don't think I'll be there anymore."
Jennifer Schreiver of Northeast Philadelphia told CBS-3, "Until they catch this guy, I don't feel safe up here now at all, with my daughter and myself being up here, knowing that this guy can still be around."
All three were bound, robbed of a small amount of cash and one female was allegedly sexually assaulted by the suspect before he fled on a light colored bicycle with an object mounted on the handle bars.
"He robbed all three victims at that location and in fact during that incident sexually assaulted one of the 15-year-old victims," said Captain John Darby of the Philadelphia Police.
Officials believe the suspect is the same person responsible for the indecent assaults and robberies of at least three women in Northern Liberties last month.
Officials said two 31-year-old females were approached by the suspect, who was armed with a small handgun, on the 900 block of N. 2nd street around 11 p.m. on April 19th.
The two victims told police they were robbed and indecently assaulted by the suspect before he fled on a black and silver mountain bike.
On April 18th, a 21-year-old woman said she was attacked by the suspect on the 2400 block of N. 7th Street.
Police said they believe the four incidents are related.
"What we have here is no definitive physical evidence to link these cases, however, in our investigation we've uncovered certain similarities which lead us to believe that they could, that these incidents could have been perpetrated by the same offender," said Captain Darby.
Authorities described the suspect as a black male 5'10" to 6-feet tall, between the ages of 25 to 35 and weighing approximately 200 pounds.
Police issued a warning to women in the area saying the suspect carries a gun and is very bold. He has been approaching females regardless of whether they are walking alone or with someone else.
If you have any information, contact Philadelphia Police immediately
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