Man Wanted for Attempted Rape On Wharton Street

Police say the victim fought her attacker off with mace.

Surveillance images of the suspect in an attempted rape on Wharton Street in South Philadelphia. (Photos: Philadelphia Police Department)

Surveillance images of the suspect in an attempted rape on Wharton Street in South Philadelphia. (Photos: Philadelphia Police Department)

Stop whatever you are doing and take a close look at these surveillance images. Police say that the man seen in these pictures is the suspect in an attempted rape that occurred on Wednesday in South Philadelphia.

A 19-year-old woman was on the 1300 block of Wharton Street around 1:30 a.m. when she was thrown to the ground by the suspect, according to police. Investigators say that he pulled down the top part of her dress, leaving her chest exposed. Fortunately, police said, the victim had mace, and she fought him off. After attacking the woman, the suspect allegedly ran onto South Clarion Street and fled.

Police describe the suspect as follows: “Black male approximately 37-years-old, 5’7, 225 lbs., medium build, wearing a black hooded sweatshirt and black pants.”

If you have any information, call police immediately at 215-685-3251 or 911.

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