Police seek suspect in center city assault on south 12th street

PHILADELPHIA, PA — The Philadelphia Police Department is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying a man wanted in connection with an assault that occurred Friday evening in Center City.

According to investigators, the incident took place at 7:02 p.m. on the 300 block of South 12th Street. A 35-year-old woman was walking northbound when she was approached from behind by an unknown male. The man allegedly grabbed her by the neck, shook her, and attempted to rip her glasses from her face before punching her in the head.

The victim resisted by screaming and striking the assailant, prompting him to flee the scene westbound on Spruce Street. Police said no arrest has been made at this time, and the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Authorities have released a description of the suspect as a white male, estimated to be between 45 and 55 years old, with a thin build, salt-and-pepper hair, a scruffy beard, and rimless glasses. He was last seen wearing a blue and white button-down shirt and blue jeans.

The Central Detectives Division is leading the investigation. “Anyone with information about this male is urged to contact Central Detectives Division at 215-685-3093,” police stated. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).

Ongoing investigation and how to help

Continue Reading

New Jersey Supreme Court to Rule on COVID Hazard Pay Dispute for School Workers

Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Supreme Court is scheduled to issue a decision Wednesday in a closely…

Seaside Heights Once Touted as a Premier Destination for “Girl Watching”

If you've ever wondered what Seaside Heights looked like before Snooki, Karma nightclub, and the famous boardwalk brawls,…

Congress Demands New Jersey Surrender Documents in Non-Citizen Voting Scandal

Trenton, NJ - The Republican chairmen of two House committees have formally demanded records from the New Jersey…

The Philadelphia Police Department emphasized that all tips will remain confidential. Surveillance efforts in the area have been initiated to gather more evidence and potential witness accounts.

The case has been assigned DC# 25-09-055843. Additional details, including surveillance images if made available, will be posted at phillypolice.com.

The 9th District, which encompasses the area of the assault, has not reported similar incidents in the immediate time frame, but police are examining the possibility of related events.

Investigators continue to canvass the surrounding area for security footage and additional witnesses.

Phil Stilton Latest posts

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.