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‘Violent Predators' Throw Bleach in LaSalle Student's Face, Assault Her Near Campus

'It’s a horrible case,' police commissioner says. 'These are 2 violent predators who we need to get off the street.'

What to Know

  • 'It’s a horrible case,' police commissioner says. 'These are 2 violent predators who we need to get off the street.'
  • Student was on the phone with her boyfriend when she saw the suspects following her.
  • La Salle is offering counseling and urging students to use the university's free ride program.

A frightened 18-year-old La Salle University student told her boyfriend to call police just before two men attacked her near campus overnight.

The two men pounced around midnight Thursday as the victim walked in Kemble Park near Olney and Ogontz avenues in the Olney neighborhood. They threw something in her face, police said.

She was sexually assaulted her, LaSalle confirmed in an email to students later Friday.

The attack near the basketball courts left the victim "traumatized," Police Commissioner Richard Ross said.

"She was actually on the phone with her boyfriend, felt uncomfortable and told him to call the police," Ross said Friday morning.

The substance thrown in her face was similar to bleach, Ross said. The victim was treated at a local hospital.

"It’s a horrible case," Ross said. "These are two violent predators who we need to get off the street."

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Richard Ross wants to see the two men who attacked an 18-year-old near a park along Olney Avenue to be brought to justice.

Ross hoped people who live in the area might have heard or seen something and he asked them to contact police.

The scene of the crime is near not only La Salle but also Central High School.

La Salle spokeswoman Jaine Lynch said an alert was sent out to students following the attack. The university urges students to utilize its 24/7 ride program.

Both campus and Philadelphia police planned to increase patrols in the area, Lynch said.

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