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Suspect in custody for groping 8 women while riding bike around Philadelphia: police

By and FOX 29 Staff
Published  August 9, 2023 8:55am EDT
News
FOX 29 Philadelphia

Suspect in custody for groping 8 women while riding bike, police say

Police say at least eight women were groped from behind by a suspect riding past them on a green bicycle.

PHILADELPHIA - A rash of indecent assaults on the streets of Philadelphia prompted an investigation that has ended with a suspect in police custody.

In an afternoon press conference, Philadelphia SVU Captain Margo Alleyne-Parker said at least eight women were groped from behind by a suspect riding past them on a green bicycle. 

All the incidents unfolded over the course of just three days:

August 6

  • 5:00 a.m. on the 1700 block of South Broad Street
  • 10:25 a.m. on the 1700 block of South Broad Street
  • 6:20 p.m. on the 1900 block of East Passyunk Avenue

August 7

  • 8:55 a.m. on the 1400 block of South 22nd Street
  • 10:30 a.m. on the 2100 block of Pine Street
  • 3:30 p.m. on the 2900 block of Walnut Street
  • 3:35 p.m. on the 2300 block of Walnut Street

August 8

  • Additional assault in South Philadelphia

The suspect, identified as 35-year-old Dequan Jacobs, was arrested Tuesday, according to authorities.

SVU detectives were in South Philly looking for surveillance video on August 8th and happened to see the Jackson ride by. They brought him in for questioning, which led to his arrest.

The incidents, first made public and liked hundreds of times of the Watch Out Philly Instagram page. The incidents took place randomly, anywhere between 5 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. and in an array of neighborhoods, from South Philly to Center City and West Philly.

Police say similar incidents were reported about a man on a scooter in recent months and are now investigating if Jackson is connected.

Captain Alleyne-Parker said the investigation will extend to the beginning of 2023 to see if there are any prior incidents. Additionally, anyone who encountered the suspect and believe they may be a victim are encouraged and urged to contact SVU at 215-685-3251.

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

Click here to find resources for victims of violence in Philadelphia.