Watch CBS News

Philadelphia police make arrest in Kinsessing rapes following similar pattern

Arrest made in alleged gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing: police
Arrest made in alleged gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing: police 00:37

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police announced Sunday morning that they have made an arrest in what they called two gunpoint "stranger rapes" in the Kingsessing section of the city.

The man, identified as Michael Henry of Philadelphia, has been charged with aggravated assault, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, robbery, kidnapping, carrying a firearm without a license, witness intimidation and other related offenses -- totaling up to 22 charges. 

Officers took Henry into custody Saturday and he was transported to the Special Victims Unit. He is being held on $2 million bail. 

The two incidents happened last weekend and followed a similar pattern: Henry is alleged to have approached two women with a gun and ordered them to give him money. In both instances, he was given money and proceeded to direct them to a location where he allegedly raped them.

After police asked for help earlier in the week, they were able to catch Henry by using tips provided by the public and surveillance video.

New video released of suspect allegedly involved in two gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing 00:33

According to police, charges have been approved for one of these incidents by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office with the investigation still ongoing in the other.

He is also a potential suspect for other rapes with a similar pattern and one more burglary, according to police. 

The Special Victims Unit is leading these investigations. 

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.