Mother of sex assault person of interest: Turn yourself in

PHILADELPHIA -- Police say they've identified a person of interest in the sexual assault of a woman in South Philadelphia earlier this week and an arrest is imminent.

The mother of the person of interest told Action News Thursday evening her son should turn himself in.

"I need you to come home son, turn yourself in, get this over with," said Roberta Felder. She told us her son's name is Rakeem Felder, though documents list him as Raheem Felder.

A short time earlier, U.S. Marshals and Philadelphia police executed a search warrant at a home on the 1300 block of South Chadwick Street in Point Breeze.

A woman who lives in the home, believed to be the sister of the person of interest, spoke to Action News.

"I don't think my brother would do nothing like this. I'm sorry. He just got out of jail. 12 years. Why would you do something like that after 12 years?" she said.

But the man's mother says she feels sorry for the victims.

"I feel terrible. I'm still in shock," said Felder.

She's also is concerned for her son.

"It's devastating cause I don't know where my son is at. Anything can happen to him, you can get killed or something or anything & I'd be even more devastated," said Felder.

Sources tell Action News two pairs of gloves, a hoodie, and shoes have been recovered that match those of the suspect's description.

Thursday morning, police released additional surveillance video showing a clearer picture of the man wanted in Monday's sexual assault.

Police say based on the new photos and surveillance footage, it appears possible that the suspect committed a burglary and then left the home before returning moments later.

According to Captain John Darby, it appears he entered the home on 1800 block of South Rosewood Street around 5:30 a.m. Monday.

Authorities believe that's when he stole the victim's car and dropped it off at Chadwick Street.

Police say he then returned to the home, demanded money from the victim, and sexually assaulted her.

"It certainly speaks to the boldness of this individual that he may have left that property and then returned to actually confront the victim," Philadelphia Police Captain John Darby said.

Police say the suspect threatened to kill the victim if she talked to police.

The Mayor's office has approved a $10,000 reward for the apprehension and conviction of the suspect.

"We hope that reward will encourage people in the South Philadelphia community to assist us in identifying and apprehending this offender and ridding this neighborhood of this threat," Darby said.

Authorities released other surveillance footage of the suspect on Wednesday.

Click here to view the surveillance video

Sources say it appears the suspect gained entry to the home through an unlocked door or window as the victim and her roommate left the house for a short time.

His footprints were found in the shower and it's believed he waited there for several hours until he was certain the two were asleep.

"He was wearing a mask, had a hat over that mask, dark clothing, a zip up type jacket or sweatshirt," said Capt. Darby.

Police say he also appeared to be wearing red or orange gloves.

The suspect is described as a black male, 20-30 years-of-age, 6'0"-6'2", medium build, wearing a mask, wool hat, black pants, black long-sleeved zip up jacket/sweatshirt and red gloves.

Police say the man behind the Monday morning attack may be responsible for another attack in March.

In that case, a woman was attacked inside her home, which was also on Chadwick Street.

"We're pursuing this as though we have a single offender," Capt. Darby said.

The Rosewood Street victim couldn't make out a description, but the Chadwick Street victim gave police enough detail for a composite sketch.

The Chadwick Street victim talked to Action News earlier this week, saying the man got into her home, demanded money, then tried to sexually assault her while her children were in the house. She and a son fought back and he fled.

"He grabbed me by the hair and throat. I thought he was going to kill me," the victim said.

If you have any information, you are asked to contact police at 215.686.TIPS (8477) or text a tip to PPD TIP or 773847.

The man did not enter the house, and no one was hurt.