Police: Man arrested, charged after woman sexually assaulted walking home in Rittenhouse Square
CENTER CITY - A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged for sexually assaulting a woman in Rittenhouse Square early Friday morning, according to the Philadelphia Police Department.
Officers were called to the intersection of 18th and Walnut streets around 1:35 a.m. Friday morning.
Captain James Kearney of the Special Victims Unit held a news conference Friday afternoon and said, "It’s disturbing. People go about their daily lives and to be interrupted with a traumatic incident like this is concerning. So, we need the help. We need people to come up, to step forward and be this great city that I know it is."
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Captain Kearney said the 27-year-old woman was walking home after a night out, when the male suspect pushed her in between two tents that were set up this weekend for an annual arts show.
The brutal rape was interrupted and stopped by a witness who police said is a 29-year-old female security guard.
Police sources told FOX 29 the suspect was seen panhandling in the area after fleeing the scene.
A man, identified as 42-year-old Lorinzo M. Clark, was arrested Friday night near the 1600 block of Chestnut Street after being identified in surveillance video. He is charged with rape, robbery and other related charges.
Clark, who has an active bench warrant out of Erie County, sexually assaulted the victim after following her into the park, according to the DA's office.
His bail has been set at $750,000 with a stay away order.
Police said to travel with friends, be aware of your surroundings and help each other out. Anyone with information about the sexual assault case, is urged to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251.