Philadelphia police release video of suspect wanted in 2 gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing

[The Bobster]

Philadelphia police release video of suspect wanted in 2 gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing

Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect wanted for two gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing.

www.cbsnews.com

Philadelphia police release video of suspect wanted in 2 gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing​

By Tom Ignudo

October 18, 2023 / 5:34 PM / CBS Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police are asking for the public's help to identify a suspect wanted for two gunpoint rapes in Kingsessing.

Police released new surveillance video on Wednesday of the suspect.

Investigators said the first sexual assault happened around 3 a.m. Saturday when the attacker approached a woman sitting in her car at 55th and Kingsessing Avenue.

The second occurred nearly two miles away on Sunday around 5 p.m. on the 1100 block of Paxon Street.

Neighbors in Kingsessing were stunned to hear about the incidents.

"It's really disgusting. It's depressing and then you think about some elderly people that live in this neighborhood," a neighbor said.


Authorities said the suspect is in his late 20s to early 30s and roughly 6 foot tall with a thin build. He was armed with a handgun and wore sweatpants and a blue surgical mask in both assaults, police said.

Police are urging people in the Kingsessing neighborhood to stay alert. They said to not approach the suspect.

Police said to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251/3252 if you have any information.

 

[The Bobster]

Philadelphia police make arrest in Kinsessing rapes following similar pattern

The man, identified as Michael Henry of Philadelphia, has been charged with 22 criminal counts, including rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, robbery and kidnapping

www.cbsnews.com

Philadelphia police make arrest in Kinsessing rapes following similar pattern​

By Jorge Mondaca

October 22, 2023 / 10:20 AM / CBS Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Philadelphia police announced Sunday morning that they have made an arrest in what they called two gunpoint "stranger rapes" in the Kingsessing section of the city.

The man, identified as Michael Henry of Philadelphia, has been charged with aggravated assault, rape, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, robbery, kidnapping, carrying a firearm without a license, witness intimidation and other related offenses -- totaling up to 22 charges.

Officers took Henry into custody Saturday and he was transported to the Special Victims Unit. He is being held on $2 million bail.

The two incidents happened last weekend and followed a similar pattern: Henry is alleged to have approached two women with a gun and ordered them to give him money. In both instances, he was given money and proceeded to direct them to a location where he allegedly raped them.

After police asked for help earlier in the week, they were able to catch Henry by using tips provided by the public and surveillance video.



According to police, charges have been approved for one of these incidents by the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office with the investigation still ongoing in the other.


He is also a potential suspect for other rapes with a similar pattern and one more burglary, according to police.

The Special Victims Unit is leading these investigations.