by KYW's Tony Hanson
Philadelphia police now say the home invasion attack on a blind woman on Sunday afternoon in the Tacony-Mayfair section of the city (see previous story) may not have been a random crime, but nothing has been ruled in or out during this early part of the investigation.
The 50-year-old victim was treated for injuries and released from the hospital.
The blind victim was approached from behind about 1:30pm as she walked to her front door, forced inside, beaten, and sexually assaulted. She believes the attackers had a gun and a knife.
Capt. John Darby of the police department's Special Victims Unit says investigators are now considering the possibility that this was not a random attack -- that the victim and/or her location were specifically targeted:
"For a couple of reasons, including the fact that the offenders very specifically demanded certain items. They ransacked the property looking for a specific item or items. There were items of value left in the property. And by some of the demands that were made to the victim."
Now, authorities are trying to gather any information they can from the victim, neighbors, and others.
Police say the woman lived alone in the home in the 7300 block of Torresdale Avenue (above), but family had lived with her previously. Authorities want to talk with those family members as part of the investigation.
The Citizens Crime Commission is offering a $1,000 reward for information. The phone number for their anonymous tipline is 215-546-TIPS.
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