Person of interest in custody in string of sex assaults and robberies in South Philly

SOUTH PHILADELPHIA (FOX 29) - Police say a person of interest in a string of sex assaults and robberies in South Philadelphia has been taken into custody. No charges have been filed at this time. Police did not release where they took the person of interest in custody.

Police announced last week they were searching for a man in connection with nine incidents. The most recent occurred at 5 a.m. Friday on the 1900 block of South Bancroft Street. Investigators say the attacker followed a woman into her workplace and raped her.

"He does appear to be riding bike looking for easy opportunities," said Special Victims Unit Captain Mark Burgmann.

In one instance on 10th and Christian streets, a victim was asleep in her bedroom when a man appeared in the doorway and jumped into bed with her. She was able to get away.

"Somebody has to know who he is. We are hoping someone gives us a call and tell us who he," Burgmann said.

"Women in South Philadelphia should not have to be stressed over their safety when leaving or returning to their homes alone and locking their doors in fear at night because a serial predator has not been caught," Councilman Kenyatta Johnson said of the incidents.

South Philadelphia residents with home security videos are urged to turn footage over to Philadelphia police and register for the department's SafeCam program.