A disturbing incident unfolded last month near the University of Pennsylvania, where a man was caught on video lunging at a woman and striking her in the face during a late-night attack at a corner store. Philadelphia police made this announcement on Thursday.
Authorities reported that the suspect allegedly spat on the woman before tackling her around 11 p.m. on April 22 in University City. This neighborhood, known for its vibrant student population and usually safe streets, was the unexpected scene of the assault.
The incident reportedly began with a verbal altercation that escalated inside the store.
“The argument escalates and the male spits on the woman and begins punching her in the face before leaving the scene in an unknown direction,” officials detailed.
The confrontation occurred inside a convenience store on the 4000 block of Market Street in Philadelphia. The suspect, whose image was captured by surveillance cameras, remains at large. He was last seen wearing all black and a hat with the Philadelphia Eagles logo.
Police have released surveillance video of the altercation and said they are still searching for the male suspect, who was wearing all black clothing and a hat featuring a logo of the Philadelphia Eagles.
In the footage, both the suspect and the victim had entered the store at the same time, with the man trailing behind the woman.
As the woman continued walking down a store aisle, the suspect appeared to linger near the entrance and began arguing with her, visibly agitated.
Police released a close-up image of a suspect wanted for a violent physical encounter that left a woman injured in Philadelphia on April 22, 2026. (Philadelphia Police Department)
After the woman responded, video showed the man charging forward and throwing several forceful punches to her head, causing her to slam into store shelves and collapse on the floor.
As the violence erupted, a nearby bystander and an employee tried to confront the two but were ultimately unable to intervene.
A friend who was accompanying the suspect also appeared on camera, attempting to pull the suspect back from the attack.
The pair then fled the scene immediately afterward.
Philadelphia authorities are searching for a man who fled a University City store after punching a woman in the face on April 22, 2026. (Philadelphia Police Department)
Police said the female victim suffered several injuries. She has been connected with victim assistance and advocacy services, according to Fox 29 Philadelphia, citing the police.
Anyone with information about the man is urged to call 215-686-TIPS or Southwest Detectives at 215-686-3183.
