Philadelphia police are searching for a 26-year-old man accused in a burglary and sexual assault in Kensington.
Authorities are seeking Lee Johnson, who is wanted on charges including aggravated indecent assault, burglary and unlawful restraint in connection with an incident that occurred June 4 around 5 a.m. in the 2200 block of East Somerset Street.
Police are also investigating whether he may be connected to other crimes.
Action News spoke exclusively with the 18-year-old victim and her mother about the incident.
"As soon as he jumped on me, he put his hand on my mouth," the victim said.
She described seeing the suspect in her bedroom and fighting off the attacker before he stole her purse and fled.
"I just seen him at the bottom of the bed ... We both made like eye contact. I couldn't even jump up yet, he flew on me, and then I finally got to turn around and I was fighting him off me, and then he just hurried up, took my pocketbook and ran," she said.
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On Wednesday, Action News visited Johnson's last known address in Northeast Philadelphia. A family member said Johnson previously lived in the building where the assault occurred, though police have not confirmed that information.
The victim's mother said she had seen Johnson in the neighborhood before.
"When I see him walking past, the six times he walked past my house when I was taking the trash out, I did not expect that he was going to break into my home and try to sexually assault my daughter," she said.
Advocates say cases involving suspects who remain at large can leave survivors and communities in fear.
"That could be terrifying for a survivor or anyone that is not a survivor as well," said Laquisha Anthony, executive director of WOAR, the Philadelphia Center Against Sexual Violence.
"It creates a community that might be on edge and not feel as safe," Anthony said. "We encourage individuals to support one another and to be on the lookout, and if you see something, definitely say something."
The victim's mother said she plans to seek counseling for her daughter.
"That's where we come in to help people understand the aftermath of sexual violence and how it could impact your brain, your body and help them to navigate the resources and support that is available," Anthony said.
Investigators are also reviewing whether Johnson may be linked to a series of break-ins in Northeast Philadelphia since the spring and possibly other sexual assaults.
Police said Johnson was most recently seen in the 6100 block of Algon Avenue, though authorities did not specify when.
Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts is urged to contact the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251 or dial 911.