Man wanted for allegedly sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl in Philadelphia
Police are searching for a man they allege sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl and tried to lure her into his car in Philadelphia last month.
The Philadelphia Police Department claims the man sexually assaulted the 12-year-old girl on the 200 block of East Salaignac Street shortly before 11:30 a.m. on March 20. Police say the man then tried to lure the girl into his white SUV.
According to police, the man is believed to be between 35 and 40 years old. He was wearing a gray and black checkered hoodie, dark pants, a white emblem on the left leg and white sneakers.
The police department released surveillance photos of the suspect and the suspected SUV allegedly connected to the sexual assault.
Police say the suspect's SUV could be a 2018 KIA Sorento, but investigators do not know its tags or exact make or model.
A School District of Philadelphia spokesperson said the principal of the 12-year-old's school addressed the incident.
"The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us," the principal said in part. "Please keep vigilant around the school and neighborhood for anyone suspicious. Please talk with your child about avoiding situations and what to do if a stranger approaches them. We are still gathering details, and the police are investigating. We will communicate more when we have more information."
Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact police or call their tip line at 215-686-8477. Tips can also be shared online.