Philadelphia police are searching for up to five men after what investigators describe as a violent early-morning robbery and sexual assault inside a North Philadelphia property this weekend. One suspect, 18-year-old Saidakhmad Bakiev, was arrested at the scene and now faces an array of serious charges, while several others escaped across the building's roof as officers arrived, according to authorities.
What police say
Officers were called to a property on the 400 block of North 9th Street early Saturday morning after a group of males allegedly forced their way into the building and robbed and sexually assaulted victims at gunpoint, FOX 29 Philadelphia reports. The outlet says Bakiev was taken into custody and has been charged with rape, burglary, robbery, false imprisonment and sexual assault, while several other suspects fled as police closed in.
Suspect descriptions and search
Investigators believe at least five additional suspects are still on the loose. They are described as white males in their late teens to early 20s with dark hair, and authorities told FOX 29 Philadelphia they may be of Russian or Central Asian descent. Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood and combing nearby properties for surveillance video that might show the group before or after the attack.
Charges and how to help
Police say Bakiev faces charges of rape, burglary, robbery, false imprisonment and sexual assault in connection with the incident. The Philadelphia Police Department is asking anyone with information to call 215-686-TIPS (8477) or to submit a tip online. Residents in the area who have security cameras are being urged to review and share any relevant footage with investigators.
Context
Violent home invasions and armed robberies have surfaced periodically in North Philadelphia, and local outlets previously covered a separate armed-robbery and barricade case last year, when Five Arrested After Armed Robbery made headlines. In this latest case, police say the condition of the victims has not yet been released and emphasize that the investigation remains active.
