Arrest Made in Attempted Rape at Center City SEPTA Station

Philadelphia police have announced the arrest of 26-year-old Reginald Green of Southwest Philadelphia for the attempted rape of a 27-year-old woman at SEPTA’s Jefferson Station (formerly Market East Station) on Monday afternoon.

According to police, the victim encountered Green on the street before accompanying him into the station. The pair went into a secluded track service area where Green attempted to have sex with her. Police say that he then punched and kicked her, causing severe injuries to her eyes and mouth, and that he then attempted to sexually assault her.

“This was not a blitzkrieg attack,” said Special Victims Unit head Captain John Darby, explaining that the victim acknowledged spending about 30 minutes with Green prior to the incident. He added that the two did not know each other prior to Monday. “He pummeled her … he beat her … he clearly took advantage of the situation,” said Darby.

Darby credited SEPTA police with recognizing Green from surveillance photos (below), explaining that he was a person known to them.

Green has been charged with attempted rape, robbery, aggravated assault, false imprisonment and indecent assault, among other offenses. He has an extensive history of run-ins with the law, including convictions for assault, criminal solicitation, harassment, theft, disorderly conduct and public drunkenness. On February 4th, Green was sentenced to nine months probation for a theft conviction. On the day of the attack, he was reportedly coming from a meeting with his probation officer, although Darby would not confirm or deny that.