Two women were hospitalized and a man was arrested early Friday after Philadelphia police said officers stormed a vacant North Philadelphia home and interrupted an assault in progress.
Officers first found a woman near 18th and Dauphin streets, bleeding from stab wounds to her leg. She was taken to a nearby hospital, where she was listed in stable condition. Police then followed the trail to a vacant property on the 2200 block of Cleveland Street, where they said they discovered a man attacking a second woman inside. That woman was also rushed to a hospital.
According to NBC10 Philadelphia, Chief Inspector Scott Small said officers were called to the area at about 3 a.m. for a report of a stabbing. The first victim told police that her friend was still inside the vacant building. Officers went in, interrupted the assault and took the man into custody before he could flee, Small told the station. Both the suspect and the second woman were transported to hospitals for treatment.
Investigators recovered a knife and a crowbar at the scene and said at least one woman had head injuries. Police are still working to determine whether those items were used in the assaults, according to NBC10 Philadelphia. "The 22nd district police did a great job," Small said.
Police said they believe the women were physically and likely sexually assaulted. The suspected attacker, described as being in his 30s or 40s, remains in custody while detectives and prosecutors review the case and work to determine charges.
Police Request Tips and Video
Investigators are asking anyone with information, footage or doorbell-camera video from the area to contact Philadelphia police. The City of Philadelphia's tip page lists the number as 215-686-TIPS (8477), an email at [email protected] and an online submission form for anonymous tips; see the city's guidance for how to report information.
What's Next
The case remains a developing story, and officials say more details will be released as the investigation continues. This post will be updated as new information becomes available.
