NorthernLiberties.org - A Community Bulletin Board - Northern Liberties, Philadelphia

freaked out

IP: 76.98.251.230

Aug 12, 08 - 10:37 AM

RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

A girl was attacked and raped last night at 11.30 pm somewhere between 5th and 6th on Poplar.
Many police were on the scene, but no suspects were found.

LADIES: PLEASE BE CAREFUL. THIS NEIGHBORHOOD IS NOT AS SAFE AS WE THINK IT IS!!!

The victim was on foot, and had a cell phone in her hand. How many times to we walk around at night and think we're safe just because we have a phone on us?
This guy had a gun - that's no match for a cell phone.
Please!
DON'T go out alone!

Christopher Falcon

IP: 76.99.35.103

Aug 12th, 2008 - 10:51 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

That's ******* crazy. If anybody hears anything, please keep us posted.

I wonder if the girl has given any details about the suspect?

Kent

IP: 166.20.24.145

Aug 12th, 2008 - 11:15 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

That's definitely very shocking. I live right around there and will post if I hear anything from the neighbors.

Usually there are a decent number of people hanging out on Poplar on that block -- sitting on their porches and what not. I'm more surprised to hear it about it than I would be in one of the more desolate blocks.

(After we first closed on our house, we had trouble with the keys the previous owner gave us, and I was trying to get in through the storm door in the back and someone from over on Poplar came over to the fence and asked me what I was doing back there. I took that as a good sign that hopefully the same would happen if someone else was really trying to break in.)

HK_Newbie

IP: 96.227.189.22

Aug 12th, 2008 - 11:16 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Poor girl. I hope they catch the *******. Thanks for posting and letting people know.

DubArchitect

IP: 65.211.1.211

Aug 12th, 2008 - 12:29 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

What a shame. All the more reason to walk with a friend, a big dog, or pepper spray. Or all 3. I hope they find this guy and cut his balls off. F'n disgusting.

Heather

IP: 69.139.19.185

Aug 12th, 2008 - 1:03 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Horrible. And given just how residential the area is its, the proximity to 2 schools--very disturbing. Keep the victim in thoughts and prayers.
It can take several days for descriptions to be made availible.
Its always good advice to never walk alone after dark and avoid distractions such as music players. Being aware of your surroundings is important. That said even the best advice followed excactly cannot always prevent attacks. Please be sure to inform your neighbors. Sometimes the simple act of looking out your window can help someone in trouble.

catoufc

IP: 12.33.108.130

Aug 12th, 2008 - 1:04 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

My sincerest thoughts go out to the victim. If anyone knows more information please post it on this board or send it out to the NLNA townwatch list. Thank you.

brynn

IP: 12.111.196.254

Aug 12th, 2008 - 1:15 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

i just responded to the town watch as well -

I called that in, at least I think it must have been the same incident. I wasn’t the victim mentioned above but I was followed home by who I’m assuming is the same guy. I was walking home from the Fire last night; there was a guy leaning on the fence of the church on 5th & Girard. He said hi, I said hi, he asked where I was going and then said something lewd but only partially audible; I walked away & turned down Randolph. He followed me just a few steps behind. I live just past Cambridge, had already had 911 dialed on my phone & had my key in hand. He didn’t follow me in through the gate, rather paused then turned down Cambridge toward 6th. My upstairs windows look down on Cambridge, so I ran upstairs to look down on the block and he was already gone, but a girl walking 2 dogs was screaming and running down Cambridge back toward 5th. (between me going inside and the girl running away screaming – less than 1 minute) I called the cops & stayed out watching for a few minutes. Did not see cops show up. My phone records show I called 911 before 11:12pm.

The guy was a young black guy, short & thin, wearing a baseball hat (I think) and a yellow tshirt. I honestly didn’t think much of it at the time because he was so scrawny, I figured I could do him more damage than he could do to me.

i can only HOPE that the timing mentioned in the original posting is a bit off, and the cop activity was in response to my call, and no one was raped at 11:30, AFTER i called 911 about this guy. that would be pretty awful.

If anyone needs more info from me, email me: rabidog@gmail.com

Matt Ruben

IP: 76.99.31.139

Aug 12th, 2008 - 3:10 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

From the Special Victims Unit, via the 6th Police District.

Best,
Matt

---

PHILADELPHIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT
*****************************************
INFORMATIONAL BULLETIN

Release Date: 08/12/08

The information provided in this release is preliminary and based on initial reports. The incident details and offender description is derived from ‘flash’ information and is subject to change pursuant to investigation. This information is not to be construed as a sole basis for probable cause or arrest.

Date/Time/Controls
08/11/08 @ 11:15PM
08-06-46353
08-3524
[I believe these last two lines of numbers are the District Control Numbers, i.e. the case numbers; I believe the first one is the 6th District's case number, and the second one is SVU's - Matt]

Location
800 N. Orkney

Details
23 year-old female reports that after walking past an unknown male at 5th & Fairmount, he began to follow her. He caught up to her, told her he had a gun forcing her into a wooded lot where he demanded money, he smashed her face against a rock when she started to scream and then sexually assaulted her. Offender: b/m, 17-23yrs, 5’10”, 195lbs, clean shaven, short black hair: wearing a white tank top, light colored jeans, black belt and white tennis shoes.

jleon

IP: 70.110.242.97

Aug 12th, 2008 - 3:37 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

This has not been confirmed but the crime was supposed to have been commited on the 800 block of Orkney Street, after the initial approach on 5th Street.

This is a very desolate block, especially at night. The street is bordered by many open lots which have been neglected by the property owners for quite some time.

At the very least L & I should enforce clean-up an visibility issues with these properties. They should also have the property owners fence them in properly...

brynn

IP: 12.111.196.254

Aug 12th, 2008 - 3:54 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

i've just spoken to the 6th district and the special victims unit - can't get thru to the 26th. there are several reports called in from last night from what i understand:

-mine, randolph & cambridge
-6th & cambridge, assault (this was probably the girl i saw running)
-orkney, the one matt posted above
-the original posting here, 5th/6th/poplar

they are sending me a sketch to look at. the orkney street one sounds similar to what i remember - young and clean shaven.

Heather

IP: 69.139.19.185

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:01 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

I'm not sure how a call like this is dispatched--in an area split by 2 precincts. Between the "priority" system and overall issues with dispatch many times there are mis-communications. Its a problem.
Its very frightening to know how determined this guy was to hurt someone.

Mike

IP: 67.151.120.182

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:03 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Glad you are ok brynn. Keep us posted, please.

nlguy

IP: 64.12.116.8

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:04 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Brynn if you read this from work I believe 2 detectives were just at you house. I was parking as the were walking up to the house, The guy across the street from you told them you would be home around 5. Appears they are working on this case and any leads they have gotten.

brynn

IP: 12.111.196.254

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:09 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

thanks guys. i will keep you posted.

they just called me to see if i was home - i told them i'd stop by their office on my way home from work.

d

IP: 66.9.98.228

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:41 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

My thoughts, like so many others, are with the survivor of this brutal attack. While it is preferable to walk with someone at night, it's not always a possibility for everyone. I run a rape prevention program and thought it might be helpful to post some of the safety tips that we distribute along with our physical self-defense program.

Mental/Emotional Self-Defense
•Value and respect yourself: this is where all self-defense starts.

•Know that no one has the right to touch you without your permission.

•Fear is information: trust your instincts. Notice what fear feels like in your body. The earlier you notice your own discomfort, the more options and the more time you have to act.

•Breath: breathing is the best way to connect your body and mind, take charge of your situation, reduce panic, and unblock a “freeze” response. Breathing affirms “I am here, I am alive, I am ready” from within.

•Notice all aspects of people and of your environment that make you feel safer and more positive, as well as those aspects that make you feel threatened.

Safety
•If you feel uncomfortable act to change the situation as soon as possible.

•Confident walk: head up, looking around and behind you, projecting calm alertness.

•Look behind you and know what/who is there. If you feel threatened because someone is coming too close too fast, take a large step to the side and turn to face them as they pass by.

•Be observant: how much can you observe and remember about the people you encounter? About your environment? Notice where the exits to rooms are, and take note of your “gut sense,” your external environment, & your available options.

•People and environment: be especially alert when leaving or approaching your home, public transit areas, stairwells, or your car.

•Trust your instincts: how you feel internally is more important than what someone else says is safe.

“Street smarts”
•Don’t carry anything with you that you don’t need (such as extra bags or all your money).

•Don’t carry anything with you that you would risk your life to keep.

•Carry as few things as possible so you can move easily.

•Do carry “mugger money” – money you are prepared to part with, separate from your other possessions, in a place you can get to quickly such as an outside pocket of your jacket.

•Be prepared to quickly part with any and all material possessions if confronted with an armed attacker who wants your money/things.

Assertiveness and Verbal Self-Defense
•Turn to face the person approaching you or addressing you.

•Make direct eye contact as you speak.

•Pay more attention to the person’s body language (gaze, bearing) and physical behavior (moving too close, touching, reaching) than to their words.

•Voice: Use a firm, clear speaking voice. Use simple, short words and be very direct.

•Words: Name what is happening and tell the person what to do: “Don’t touch me.” “You’re too close. Step back.” Repeat your command rather than engaging them in any way.

•Yelling: can help change the attacker’s mind, attract attention, and energize you: yell loud, low, and deep from your stomach. Yell, “No!” “BACK OFF!” “Call 911!” or other commands.

jbella

IP: 71.242.103.75

Aug 12th, 2008 - 4:57 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Last week one of my neighborhs was assaulted while walking her dog around 4:30 in the afternoon, down Leithgow, near George St. It was a black male, 15-17 yrs, on a bike.
The male hit her as he rode past her, and then turned around. After telling the man she didn't have any money he grabbed her tank top asking what she had "down there." She screamed & ran to the guys who sit outside of Pernitsky's bar (on the corner of Lawrence & George). The man took off down lawrence towards girard, the police were called.
The police drove around NL w/ the victim looking for her attacker who never turned up.

I know this is unrelated, but our neighbors need to know about it.

There should be a police report on file with the 26th distict.

Kas

IP: 75.197.46.196

Aug 12th, 2008 - 5:46 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

I moved to NL in April, I am renting and was looking at buying something in the area,,,,all I keep hearing is it is up and coming, The truth is it is WAY to close to too much ghetto. There are too many criminals lurking around. Between cars being broken into and all these muggings and rapes I would have to say at the least that the property value is beyond overpriced for what you get. One more month and I'm out. It's too bad because it could be such a great place, BUT the people in the surrounding areas that wander in ruin it. Its a shame

never fails

IP: 166.217.178.239

Aug 12th, 2008 - 6:27 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

I cant believe anyone is shocked by this attack! These critters have been infesting that area for ever and choosing harmless, defenseless victims to prey upon. I could have told you before I had even seen the sketch what the suspect was going to look like. Good people working hard to fufill their dream and get educated are constantly victimized by these critters....its like trying to build a sandcastle to close to the rising tide. I know some dum white liberal is going to hate me but Im not out there raping, murdering, stealing, shooting dope daily like them. Carry a gun, get a carry permit and get your gun registered.....and never travel alone! Get shooting lessons and this WONT happen to you or anyone else if you kill these rapist scum bags the first time........be careful

pauli

IP: 166.217.178.239

Aug 12th, 2008 - 6:47 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

I agree with neverfales. This is no isolated incident, how come evryone is always surprised when this happens? It happenters every single day here in Philly. People say let the cops deal with it but they are greatly outnumbered and im not dogging the police, but they only can really respond after it is too late! 911 is called AFTER a problem. I live right around there and see creeps everywhere.....northern liberties will never be what we imagine it could be like because these "critters" are all over the place

Mike

IP: 67.151.120.182

Aug 12th, 2008 - 6:56 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Speaking of neverfails...dorks who post multiple comments without realizing that their IP addresses give them away. Steve you really shouldn't put your email address up if you want to remain annonymous. A simple myspace search reveals your truly hickish nature.

pauli

IP: 166.217.178.239

Aug 12th, 2008 - 7:14 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Thanks......but theres multiple people here using this computer.....and if you believe what your saying who cares

Mitch Deighan

IP: 70.20.221.214

Aug 12th, 2008 - 7:16 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Shoulda tuned-in to the message board earlier today, I've been posting about this incident on the NLNA Town Watch list...

Hoping to receive a call from the Special Victims Unit sometime this evening after speaking with their intake and with Captain Korn's office at the 6th Police District. They are all taking this string of incidents seriously. The strange part of this is that I was right here at the time of the assault on Orkney Street, with my window wide open, and I didn't hear anything, in terms of the assault. But I did hear a police sound while I was on the phone with a great friend in Oregon at about midnight when I suddenly was surrounded by that yelp sound a police vehicle makes when it's trying to pull a car over. It was sorta startling. I stood up, looked out the window onto Orkney, only 30 or 40 yards from the point of the assult, but there wasn't a single sound, no flashlights, no conversation or human voices at all. But I clearly noted the police sound, it must have been related to the assault and police officers searching for the assailant.

One thing I do want to say about Northern Liberties' proximity to areas of the city that aren't so affluent or gentrified: I have never felt intimidated by anyone, in the past three decades, here. No one. Not never, not no how. This is OUR HOME, we have a right to be here and care about it and as they say, every person's home is their castle. Don't let anyone take that away from you. Be on guard, be aware of your surroundings while out in the public domain. Women, carry mace and try to keep your hand on the trigger as you're walking along, this is good advice for this age we're living in. Hate to say it, but we all know that these creatures are out there. But they can be anywhere, really.

Not in any way trying to lessen the shock and anger I feel or you might feel. This is our home and there are people in this world who don't care, but over the course of the past decades it has gotten so much better around here, it's almost like night vs day, in terms of my personal experiences on a daily basis.

pauli

IP: 166.217.178.239

Aug 12th, 2008 - 7:27 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Another one in denial.......thats what neverfails. Hickish nature lol I love it

tastymoog

IP: 76.99.20.106

Aug 12th, 2008 - 7:31 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

CBS3 article and report.

anon

IP: 76.99.23.54

Aug 12th, 2008 - 9:38 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Hi there. For anyone who doesn't recall, I am the girl that was kidnapped and raped on 3/30/08 at Germantown and Hancock.

If the victim, or I should say SURVIVOR, because you will begin to think of yourself that way some day, I swear, is reading this, I am praying for you. There is nothing anyone can do or say to make it better or make it go away or even push down the memories.

I still live in Northern Liberties, though my fiance and I did move to a townhouse and out of the building that just held too many memories for us. I thought truly what had happened to me was an abberation (or I started telling myself that after I was feeling safe again), but these opportunists, sickos, inhuman monsters live everywhere. It's not about the neighborhood.

Ladies, as everyone else is saying, simply be aware. We have every right to walk home at night. I can't say that I have not walked alone after my attack...some times I have to work late, sometimes I just want a beer from the Foodery. But now, I always carry a weapon.

My real name is Karen. If you need to talk to someone who has really and truly been there, and recently, please e-mail me. nerak0226@yahoo.com. Be safe, everyone.

Natron

IP: 76.117.4.106

Aug 12th, 2008 - 10:41 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Great....... and I am moving 1 block away from this site in a few days. I hate to see news like this. What a horrible thing to happen to someone innocently walking through their neighborhood. Truly chilling.

meghan

IP: 69.249.119.9

Aug 12th, 2008 - 11:46 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

awesome to know he started following her on my block. i wasn't shocked when i heard about it initially- but everything coming up about people reporting suspicious activity and the cops NOT SHOWING UP is ******* me off. i know they can't be 'everywhere' at once, but for christ's sake, they're aaaaalways trolling around here. yesterday happened to be my birthday, and i came home around 1030... parked on my block... and headed inside by myself. wouldda been a hell of a birthday gift if he and i crossed paths.

Mitch Deighan

IP: 70.20.221.214

Aug 12th, 2008 - 11:49 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Oh no, Meghan, it would be a heck of a birthday gift if this crap head crosses paths with me because then he's going to find out how it feels to be on the receiving end of a battering ram.

brynn

IP: 76.99.35.106

Aug 12th, 2008 - 11:58 PM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

i talked to the special victims unit and honestly i left there shaking my head and thinking "this is why people get away with rape in philadelphia." i seriously hope they prove me wrong. they seemed out to convince me the person that followed me and attacked the other woman i saw were not related to the rape just a block away and 21 minutes later by someone fitting the same description and with a composite sketch i IDed as the same person. does that mean they aren't taking into account my description and trying to find that other woman i saw? does that mean they aren't taking my suggestion of checking with the businesses and that church along girard to see if anyone has a surveillance camera? why would they be so adamantly claiming the person that followed me was an unrelated incident? they are saying there is no record of my 911 call. that's ******* ridiculous. tracking back through my text messages (i sent one immediately after getting off the phone) i hung up with 911 at 11:09pm. someone was raped at 11:30pm??! and i'm told my call basically didn't exist because i should have asked for a p-something-number? how the **** am i, as an ordinary, albeit slightly shaken citizen, supposed to know that? i assume that when i call 911 they have a record of it and they follow it up with a squad car to search the area around 6th as i suggested. i have been on the phone all afternoon with various people from the 6th district and the special victims unit, and the number for the 26th hasn't been working all day. you get an entirely different story each time depending on who you talk to.

anyway i got a copy of the sketch which i will post thursday when i'm back in the office with my scanner on hand. i emailed the church at 5th and girard to see if they have any sort of surveillance system or know of any business who might. if anyone has any other ideas feel free to share.

anyway lastly that "i'll just move" attitude just further allows these thugs such easy access to our neighborhood. tonight a couple great neighbors & friends got in touch and we went out for drinks and dinner just like any normal night - one, because i needed it, and two, because we can't let ourselves be intimidated by ****s like this. this is a wonderful neighborhood to live in; it's a tight-knit, caring community and we should be getting to know our neighbors before giving up and moving.

Mitch Deighan

IP: 70.20.221.214

Aug 13th, 2008 - 12:08 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Brynn, you're a dynamo! Channel 29 constructed quite a report of the assault on their 10 pm broadcast, urging anyone with info to come forward. The fact that you did come forward to such an extent and feel doubtful makes me even more angry, and I don't really need to feel any more anger towards Philadelphia than I already do, this city is so often it's own biggest enemy.

brynn

IP: 76.99.35.106

Aug 13th, 2008 - 12:28 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

^ its own enemy - great way to put it. thanks mitch. you've always got this neighborhood's best interests at heart.

i talked to cbs today while i was at the special victims unit. not sure what channel # that is? i gave them the same story i gave here. twice, even. i was probably squinting the wrong way into the sun. in addition to all the "how do you feel" type questions which honestly i'm just not very good at, i do have to say they asked the most thorough questions of anyone i've talked to.

i really hope they catch this ****er, and i think it would be extra great if we each had an opportunity to knee him in the balls -or worse- as so many have offered to do.

Mollee Dee

IP: 67.151.122.93

Aug 13th, 2008 - 3:53 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

http://www.mace.com/home/productListing/category/Personal+Defense+Sprays

Mitch Deighan

IP: 70.20.221.214

Aug 13th, 2008 - 4:39 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Been thinking about a part of Monday's sickening assault on Orkney Street. The assault took place on the field that my beloved friend Mike and I have created at the heart of what we've always referred to as The Orkney Project.

Took many years to assemble the properties which comprise that field, and many years to clear away the debris and excavate to plant a spectrum of trees of many species, with a bit of topography. Many neighbors, along the way, both added to and took from the site. But the kids love it, and folks regularly take advantage of enjoying a tiny scrap of nature. The vision remains crude, but this spot IS much loved by some and perhaps many.

The concept has been to retain a piece of the rural-like nature we found here back in the abandonment of the mid-70's. Springtimes and autumns are the high points for the 800 block of North Orkney Street, in my opinion.

Many difficult civic episodes made the road rocky enough, but now some stinking crap head drags a beautiful young person in and violates her, this is to me a direct violation of Northern Liberties' entire renaissance.

One thing we need to do is convince the powers that be that Northern Liberties must be contained within a single police district. There is no doubt in my mind that it should be the 6th, and I say this with tremendous respect and gratitude towards the officers and commanders of the 26th who have made many strong moves to challenge the undertoe, for us.

* * *
Well, I had to edit out the last thought. I think it may be illegal to say something of this nature, publicly.

lutton

IP: 76.99.16.56

Aug 13th, 2008 - 7:47 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

>>i talked to the special victims unit and honestly i left there shaking my head and thinking "this is why people get away with rape in philadelphia."

Remember the Center City jogger case? The police failed to notify that neighborhood that there was a serial rapist-type threatening them. In fact, the police initially 'dumbed-down' the first two assualts so they weren't even classified as sex crimes.

Back here in NL, besides the attacks of Aug 11, there was the attack against anon/Karen, and one week before or after that (I forget which), an attempted assault along N Columbus Blvd (btwn Callowhill & Spring Garden). At that time, CBS3's Walt Hunter indicated in an email to me that his police sources were not linking those two April attacks.

So based on what the police are saying, they seem to be acting as if we have as many as three or four different predators targeting our area.

Mary Dankanis

IP: 205.188.116.8

Aug 13th, 2008 - 7:57 AM

Re: RAPE ATTACK at 5th and Poplar 8/11

Hi Bryan,

I caught your interview on Channel 3 this morning - very rewarding. Thank you for your courage.
Mary Dankanis

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