Police: Teen sought in Somerton sex assault of 13-year-old girl

NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - Police are searching for a teenage boy they say is responsible for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Northeast Philadelphia.

On Thursday, Sept. 6, the victim was reportedly approached from behind by the suspect, who placed his hand over her mouth and said, "If you scream, I'll kill you." The girl had just gotten off a school bus.

"He approaches her from behind, grabs her around the mouth, threatens to kill her actually if she doesn't cooperate," Philadelphia Police Captain Sekou Kinebrew told reporters at an afternoon press conference.

Police say the suspect then led the victim to a fenced yard on the 1300 block of Cardella Place, where he sexually assaulted her. He then fled in an unknown direction.

With the girl's help, police developed a composite sketch of the suspect. Police describe the suspect as as a 17-year-old boy who is 6'0" tall and around 155-165 pounds with a slim build, crooked nose and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt with orange writing on the front and gray sweatpants. Police believe the suspect could live in the area.

Anyone with information about this crime or suspect is urged to contact the Special Victim's Unit at 215-685-3253.

Tips can be submitted by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or texting PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online. All tips are confidential.