Crime & Safety

Sexual Assault Reported in Doylestown

Borough police are investigating a sexual assault by an unknown man on West Ashland Street.

A woman told police she was sexually assaulted by an unknown man as she got ready to leave work one recent night in Doylestown.

She had left work and was at her car, which was parked in the parking lot on the 200 block of West Ashland Street on Jan. 23 shortly before 6 p.m., according to police.

The woman was putting things in the back seat of her vehicle when a man grabbed her from behind, Doylestown Borough Police Chief Jim Donnelly said Thursday.

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The man pushed her up against her car and began fondling her breast, according to the police report. He then placed his hand inside her jeans before releasing her, Donnelly said. He then ran toward the SEPTA train tracks across the street.

The woman told police that she never saw his face so was unable to describe him, other than his clothing and height.

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The man is described as being approximately 5-foot-7 to 5-10. He was last seen wearing white sneakers, blue jeans and a brown-hooded jacket.

The assault happened on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at about 5:53 p.m. The woman didn't report it immediately, which Donnelly said is not unusual in a case of sexual assault.

As a result of the attack, officials are making some changes in that parking lot.

"It’s a dark place, off West Ashland Street behind the old grainary near the PECO lot," Donnelly said. "As a result of this, they’re going to light up the lights at the lot."


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