Police hunt rapist of impaired woman

PHILADELPHIA. Police said yesterday the robbery and rape of a visually impaired woman Sunday in Mayfair does not appear to be random, and a $1,000 reward is now being offered for information.

The 50-year-old victim was returning home on Torresdale Avenue near Cottman around 1:30 p.m. Sunday when two men pushed her inside, bound her with duct tape and clothing, beat her and ransacked the home. At least one of the men raped her, during which the victim passed out, police said.

“Right now we obviously have a very aggressive investigation ongoing, just by the very nature of this reported assault,” said Capt. John Darby of the Police Special Victims Unit. “There’s some indication of the possibility that this was not a random location…nor victim.”

Darby said the suspects demanded certain items, but did not take cash. He declined to elaborate on what was demanded or taken.

Neighbors said the woman lived alone, but two of her children had previously lived there. She was treated and released from the hospital Sunday.