Philadelphia police are searching for a suspect identified as Lee Johnson, 26, in connection with a sexual assault and home invasion that occurred on June 4 in the Kensington neighborhood. The incident took place around 6 a.m. on the 2200 block of East Somerset Street.
According to authorities, Johnson allegedly entered a residence and sexually assaulted an 18-year-old victim who was asleep. The victim told ABC6 that she felt the covers being removed from her and realized someone was touching her inappropriately. She reported seeing the suspect at the foot of her bed when she partially opened her eyes.
When the suspect realized the victim was awake, he reportedly covered her mouth to prevent her from screaming. The victim stated that she fought back, causing the suspect to immediately disengage. The victim's mother reported seeing the individual fleeing from the home through the back entrance.
"When I heard her say, ‘somebody in here,’ I immediately jumped up," the victim's mother said. "When I jumped up I seen him running up the steps and running out my back door."
Police stated that the suspect also stole several items from the home before fleeing the scene. The victim and her family have described the experience as traumatic, with the mother expressing that they are afraid to sleep in the home alone.
Johnson is described as a Black male in his 20s, with a tall, slender build. He was reportedly last seen wearing a black hooded sweatshirt with white lettering on the back, a red shirt, and black pants near the 6100 block of Algon Avenue in Crescentville.
He has been charged with aggravated indecent assault, burglary, and unlawful restraint, among other related charges. Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Philadelphia Police Department's Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251 or submit anonymous tips via text or call to 215-686-TIPS (8477).