Updated at 5:16 p.m.
PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Philadelphia police are trying to identify a man who broke into a Manayunk home and exposed himself to a woman inside during the early morning hours of New Year’s Day.
Around 1:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, when police say a 20-year-old woman was walking home from a bar with her roommate. Near Cresson and Grape streets in Manayunk, they noticed a man following close behind. They didn’t interact, and quickly went into their home—the roommate went upstairs while the 20-year-old woman fell asleep on the couch.
“She woke up about 25 minutes later, and she observed the white male inside her property, who had entered in an unknown manner,” said Lt. John Hewitt of the Special Victims Unit, “and he had his genitals exposed.”
The victim screamed and the suspect fled, hiding in some alleyways before escaping.
Investigators said the victim noticed the contents of her purse were dumped onto the floor. It appeared that only $20 was taken.
“It's very concerning, because this certainly isn’t the behavior of a run of the mill burglar. Thankfully it didn’t escalate to something more than what was reported,” said Hewitt.
The victim told police she believed the suspect was the same man who followed her earlier on the street. The witness was upstairs during the entire incident.
Police said they don’t know for sure whether he entered through an unlocked front door or a window. He was described as a middle-aged white man with a dark beard, who was wearing white clothes and a white hat. Police believe he frequents Manayunk. Hewitt said a case like this is a reminder to stay vigilant.
“Just be aware of your surroundings and be careful at all times,” he urged. “It’s a dangerous world out there.”
Anyone with information is asked to submit a tip by calling or texting 215-686-8477, or by submitting an anonymous tip online.