Police search for suspect who sexually assaulted, robbed 71-year-old woman in East Mt. Airy home
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – A 71-year-old woman was beaten, sexually assaulted, and robbed inside her own home in East Mt. Airy on Thursday. Philadelphia police say the incident happened on the 7400 block of Devon Street around 3:30 pm.
Police say this man acted like he needed help to get the woman's attention, once inside he attacked her and then stole her car
"I'm shocked," one person said.
"This never happens in this neighborhood," another neighbor said.
Authorities say he demanded money from the victim, which she refused. He then punched her in the head and back multiple times, choked her, forced her to take off her clothes and sexually assaulted her, police say.
"Our 71-year-old survivor demanded that he leave at which time he proceeded to punch, beat, kick, choke the 71-year-old female, dragging her up and down the stairs demanding money," Philadelphia Police Department Captain James Kearney said. "She survived, she fought back and he sexually assaulted her on the second floor. He repeatedly told her he was going to kill her and she told our investigators that she is a strong woman who will survive and she did. She has my respect and today and I think she's a hero."
Police say the suspect stole the woman's cell phone, credit card and car. They are now searching for the grey 2014 Toyota Corolla with Pennsylvania license plate JKV-8711. The vehicle has minor paint damage on the passenger side's rear bumper.
People who live in the area couldn't believe what happened on their quiet streets.
"We are all a community. We look out for each other. This woman was 71. I am in shock," a neighbor said.
Police are looking for a man between the ages of 17 and 24, around 5'5" with short hair. He was wearing a white shirt with charcoal writing on it, dark army green skinny pants and a red logo by the pocket.
If you have any information on this incident, call police.
