Man arrested after gunpoint sexual assaults in Philadelphia that may be connected: police
PHILADELPHIA - Police say a man wanted for several sexual assaults in Philadelphia has been arrested after a pair of possibly connected gunpoint sexual assaults in one neighborhood last weekend.
Michael Henry, 30, was taken into custody Friday, and is being charged in at least one of two sexual assaults in Kingsessing.
On Saturday, police say a woman reported that while she was inside her vehicle waiting a traffic light at 55th and Kingsessing Avenue, a suspect approached her vehicle, pointed a small black handgun at her and demanded money.
Police say the woman gave the suspect $20 before he ordered her to unlock her car doors. The suspect, according to police, entered her vehicle and made her drive to 49th and St. Bernard Street where they say he sexually assaulted her.
Philadelphia Police Department releases images of the alleged offender
Officials say the suspect drove the victim to an ATM, told her to take out cash and fled the area after the victim handed over the money.
A day later, police say another woman reported that as she was walking near the 5100 block of Springfield Avenue, a suspect approached her on the 1100 block of South Pacon Street, pointed a silver handgun at her side and demanded money.
According to police, the victim gave the suspect $25 and some prescription medication. The suspect forced the woman into an alleyway in the rear of Paxon Street where police say he sexually assaulted her, then fled on foot in an unknown direction.
Based off the descriptions of the suspect, Philadelphia police believe both assault incidents may have been related.
Henry is currently charged with a total of 22 offenses in connectin to Saturday's assault, including Aggravated Assault, Rape, Involuntary Deviate Sexual Intercourse, Robbery, Kidnapping, VUFA No License, VUFA Public Carry and Witness Intimidation. He is being held on $2 million bail.
Officials say Henry is also a suspect in several other rapes and one robbery with the same pattern.
The arrest has brought a sense of relief back to a typically quiet neighborhood.
"Oh, it’s wonderful, now that people can walk around safe, the women can be safe," says Dorothea Brown, a Kingsessing resident.
People are finally starting to feel safe again in the place they call home after a week of terror.
"You don’t have to keep looking over your shoulder to see if that person is following you or trying to attack you so, I’m happy they caught him," says Brown.
Police say what really helped them be able to solve this case is the tips from the community and the surveillance they were given.
"I’m happy that they caught him, if they can do that more often with a lot of the rapist in the area, all the women in the city would be fine," says Brown.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Special Victims Unit, Special Investigations Unit 215-685-3264 or call 9-1-1.