Police arrest man in attempted sex assault in Torresdale

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) . A suspect has been arrested in connection with an attempted sexual assault of a 29- year-old woman in Torresdale Monday evening.

Philadelphia Police say the woman was waiting for a ride outside the Wawa store on the 9400 block of State Road around 6 p.m. when a man approached her asking for a cigarette. Police say the man grabbed the woman by her arms and led her to a secluded wooded area near train tracks where he tried to assault her.

"This male had a blanket and forced her on to the blanket then tried to forcibly remover her clothing. Then he began to fondle her, touch her inappropriately asked her to remove all of her clothing. That's when she fought back and was able to get away," said Chief Inspector Scott Small.

After breaking free the woman called 911. Police arrived minutes later and picked up a suspect matching the description just 2 blocks away. Police say the victim identified the 44- year-old man as the suspect.
The victim and suspect did not know one another.

The woman suffered bruises to both of her arms. The suspect has not yet been identified. Police tell Fox 29 investigators will be looking into other sexual assaults in the area to see if the suspect may be connected.