PHILADELPHIA, PA — Philadelphia police are asking for the public’s help to identify a man they allege may be responsible for a disturbing late-night intrusion and theft that unfolded in the Manayunk section of the city in the early hours of the new year.
According to the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit, the incident occurred at approximately 1:30 a.m. on January 1, 2026, near the intersection of Cresson and Grape streets. A 20-year-old woman and a witness were walking in the area when they noticed an unknown white male following closely behind them. Police said the pair did not engage with the man but became uneasy and quickly went inside their residence.
Several minutes later, the woman fell asleep on a living room sofa. At about 1:55 a.m., she was awakened, police allege, by an unknown man standing over her and indecently exposing himself. The victim reportedly yelled for the man to leave, at which point he fled the residence.
Afterward, the woman discovered that her purse had been moved and its contents dumped onto the floor. Police said approximately $20.00 appeared to be missing. The victim told investigators she believes the person inside her home was the same man who had been following her and the witness earlier that night. The witness, who was on the second floor during the incident, did not have any direct contact with the alleged offender.
Detectives described the suspect as a white, middle-aged male with a dark beard who was wearing a white jacket, white pants, and a white knit hat. Investigators say the man is believed to frequent the Manayunk area and have released video images in hopes of identifying him.
Police are urging anyone who recognizes the individual or has information related to the case to contact authorities. Members of the public are advised not to approach the suspect but to call 911 if he is seen. Tips can also be submitted confidentially by calling 215-686-TIPS (8477) or by contacting the Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251 or 215-685-3252. The case is listed under DC 26-05-000008.
All of the allegations outlined by investigators remain under active review, and any suspect or potential defendant in this matter is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
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