Serial Attacker Targeting Women in Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square

A suspected serial sexual predator has been linked to multiple assaults in the affluent Rittenhouse Square area of Philadelphia. Since July, at least five women have been attacked in or near the neighborhood, often outside their homes, while walking their dogs, or during daylight hours.

The suspect is described as a man approximately 5’11” to 6 feet tall with long braided hair, sometimes worn in a ponytail. He typically approaches victims from behind before assaulting them, according to police reports.

The first incident occurred early morning on July 18 at 6:40 a.m. when a woman was attacked while walking her dog on Spruce Street. The following day, another woman was sexually assaulted at her apartment entryway around 3:13 a.m. Police investigations suggested the same individual might be responsible for these crimes. The suspect is also linked to further assaults on August 2 and August 3, where women walking in Waverly Street and South 15th Street were attacked from behind.

On August 3, around 12:30 p.m., the attacker approached a woman from behind as she was unlocking her front door. The attacks have caused concern given the location’s high-end shops, restaurants, and residential properties, making it a popular tourist destination.

Street view of a brick building in Philadelphia where a sexual assault occurred. — The assaults have taken place in and around Philadelphia’s Rittenhouse Square neighborhood since July.

Philadelphia serial sex attacker — A single suspect is believed to be responsible for multiple attacks, according to authorities.

The police have only identified one suspect in connection with the assaults, but specific details of the attacks remain unclear. Sexual assault charges in Pennsylvania can include various forms of forcible sexual conduct.