VIDEO: Suspect sought in series of armed sex assaults in West Philadelphia

Police are searching for the man they say is responsible for a series of armed sexual assaults in West Philadelphia.

The assaults allegedly occurred between Tuesday, July 17 and Wednesday, July 18.

The first incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. Tuesday. The victim told investigators an unknown man tapped her on the shoulder at Belmont and Parkside avenues. When the victim turned around, she saw the man was armed with a gun.

The suspect allegedly told the victim that if she moved or screamed he would shoot her. He then reportedly lead the victim into Fairmount Park, where he sexually assaulted her before fleeing with her Beats headphones and iPhone.

The second incident occurred around 4:20 a.m. Wednesday. The victim told investigators that, while filling up her car with gas on the 4800 block of West Girard Avenue, an unknown man approached her and pushed a gun into her side.

The suspect allegedly forced the woman into the vehicle, which had another woman inside, and forced her to drive to an unknown location where both victims were sexually assaulted.

The suspect reportedly told the victims to drive away after stealing approximately $420 from the pair.

Police sources tell FOX 29 that investigators are also looking into an armed robbery in the same area. A woman leaving a takeout restaurant last month was forced into her car. The suspect allegedly ordered her and a man behind the wheel to drive to an ATM at the Wawa on 36th and Chestnut streets to withdraw cash. The woman got someone to call 911 from inside the Wawa. The suspect fled in her car and dumped it at 42nd Street and Parkside Avenue.

The armed sexual assaults and robberies have brought increased patrols to the area and a warning from the police.

The suspect is described as black man between 40 and 50 years old with a thin build. He had facial hair in one attack, but was clean-shaven in the other. Police are calling the incidents a clear pattern of assault.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911, 215-686-TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP (773847). Tips can also be submitted anonymously online.