Police: Armed suspect sexually assaults 2 women, man in Fishtown

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia police are searching for an armed suspect who robbed and sexually assaulted two women and a man in Fishtown.

The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. Sunday in a wooded area near Cumberland Street and the Delaware River.

Authorities say he started making small talk at the so-called graffiti pier with three people in their 20s - two women and one man.

"They were there to take pictures of graffiti and generally to explore the area," said Captain John Darby from Philadelphia SVU.

That's when the attacker reportedly pulled out a gun, let them to a wooden area nearby, and stole their phones, wallets, and cash before sexually assaulting all of the victims.

Police say the suspect then bound them with their clothing prior to the leaving the area.

"In essence he bound them with their own clothing before he was last seen walking from the area toward Richmond Street," said Captain Darby.

Police released a composite sketch of the suspect Friday night.

The suspect is described as a white male in his early 30s, 5'9, approximately 230 pounds, with a stocky build, a light mustache and beard, and light brown hair.

He was wearing a tank top t-shirt, blue jean shorts, and a white baseball cap with a red Phillies 'P' logo. Police say he also had a tattoo on at least one of his arms.

Action News spoke with several young people Monday at graffiti pier who say they enjoy hanging out here, but that doesn't mean they feel safe.

"I only come out here during the day and I know my way around kind of, if I run I could probably make my way out of here but stuff does go down here,: said Damien Smith of Point Breeze.

"We come down here in a group specifically because you dont come down here alone just because of something like that," said Brian Fagan of Kensington.

Anyone with information is asked to call Philadelphia Police Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3253/54/63.