A nearly 16-month manhunt is over and a rape suspect is behind bars thanks to a diligent SEPTA cop, SEPTA says.
Police in Delaware asked for the public’s help back in November 2011 to find the man who they say choked and tried to rape a woman over the weekend. An arrest warrant was issued for then 41-year-old Marvin Holmes but he couldn't be found.
U.S. Marshals eventually took over the case and last week they sent out an alert. SEPTA says Police Officer Lloyd Rodgers recognized Holmes as frequently hanging out at SEPTA's Regional Rail station at Market East and the Gallery Mall.
Today around 3:10 p.m. Rodgers spotted Holmes at 10th and Filbert Streets in Center City and placed him under arrest, according to SEPTA.
Rodgers was charged with attempted rape and choking, Newark Police said in 2011. He allegedly tried to sexually assault a 30-year-old woman in a field near the James F. Hall Trail in Phillips Park, cops said.
The victim reportedly had become disoriented after walking from her home to the 7-Eleven on Elkton Road and the suspect offered to help her home, police said.
While walking down Hall Trail the woman became suspicious of Holmes and tried to run away but he allegedly grabbed her, knocked her to the ground and ripped her clothing, police said.
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Police say that the victim fought off the suspect and ran to a nearby home where she called for help. After some investigation police zeroed in on Holmes, who frequented homes and businesses along Elkton Road.
After his arrest today he was transferred into federal custody, SEPTA said.
