Philadelphia police are seeking Lee Johnson, 26, who is accused of entering a home in the Kensington neighborhood and sexually assaulting an 18-year-old girl on June 4. The incident occurred around 5 a.m. when the victim awoke to find a stranger touching her.
The teenager recounted being jolted awake by her blanket moving, initially believing she was shifting in her sleep. She then realized someone had entered her bed and was touching her inappropriately. "I couldn't even open my eyes all the way. I just see him at the bottom of the bed," she told ABC6.
The alleged assailant reportedly noticed she was waking up and attempted to cover her mouth. The victim managed to scream, alerting her mother who entered the bedroom. The mother reported seeing a man running out of the back door of the residence.
The family, who spoke anonymously with their parents present, stated that the intruder stole personal belongings, including phones and a purse. They believe Johnson may have had prior knowledge of the apartment complex, which may have facilitated his entry.
"Nobody can sleep at night. We sleep together. We don't want to be home," the victim's mother said, describing the family's trauma from the incident.
Philadelphia Police have issued an arrest warrant for Johnson, charging him with aggravated indecent assault, burglary, and unlawful restraint. Detectives have warned that Johnson may be linked to other assaults and home invasions in Pennsylvania and have released his photograph. The department urges anyone with information regarding Johnson's whereabouts to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215 685 3251 or submit anonymous tips via 686-TIPS (8477).