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Area groups have joined together to offer a reward for a tip that leads to the arrest and conviction of the man responsible for the muggings of two women last month.
Bella Vista Town Watch’s Greg Pastore; South Street Headhouse District’s Executive Director Mike Harris; and Queen Village Neighborhood Association’s former President Jeff Rush and Executive Director Carla Puppin were on hand to announce a $3,500 reward at the 3rd District, 11th and Wharton streets, Tuesday afternoon.
The man choked and stole the purses of a 34-year-old woman walking to her car at 7:25 a.m. June 17 on the 600 block of Catharine Street and then a 33-year-old female, who was on her way to work, at 6:15 a.m. June 18 on the 400 block of Christian Street.
Surveillance video of the perpetrator was released last month, but was not sufficient, Rush, of Christian Street and Columbus Boulevard, said.
“A number of us felt this is the way to go,” he said referring to the funds that the three organizations, along with Society Hill Civic Association, provided. “… We’re not happy with the violent crime. We’ll do anything we can to discourage it.”
Previous tips have not panned out, Lt. Ray Evers of the Police Public Affairs Unit, who hopes the financial incentive will change that, said.
“We believe he’s from the area,” he said. “We just want anyone with information to call us.”
The offender was described as black with a medium complexion, in his early 20s, 5-foot-8 to 5-foot-9; having a medium build; wearing a white T-shirt; and riding a dark-colored, older-model mountain bike.
To report information, call the Citizens Crime Commission of the Delaware Valley’s tip line at 215-546-TIPS.
Contact Managing Editor Amanda L. Snyder at asnyder@southphillyreview.com or ext. 117.
Also in this week’s Police Report:
Double trouble
March to jail
July police meetings
Web-exclusive Police Report:
No brotherly love
Hostile takeover
Point of mystery
Alarming wakeup
Checkpoint
Uncooperative customer
Forceful heist
In June’s Court Report:
Convicted for murder cover-up
Sentenced for rape
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