Crime
Philadelphia Police Investigate Abduction and Sexual Assault of 12-Year-Old
PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia Police Department is actively investigating a disturbing incident involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl that occurred on the evening of Friday, May 31.
Authorities are searching for the suspect as well as a stolen vehicle connected to the crime.
At approximately 9:30 p.m., officers responded to an abduction-in-progress call near Germantown and Erie Avenues.
According to initial reports, a white 2010 Ford Taurus had been left unattended with the engine running and the keys in the ignition.
A 12-year-old girl was asleep in the backseat of the vehicle when an unidentified individual entered the car and fled the scene with the child inside.
Less than 25 minutes later, at approximately 9:53 p.m., officers located a juvenile matching the description of the missing child near Broad Street and Roosevelt Boulevard.
It was determined that the victim had been sexually assaulted. She was immediately transported by police to a local hospital for medical evaluation and care.
Police are currently seeking an unidentified Black male, described as having a thin build and wearing dark clothing at the time of the incident.
The stolen white 2010 Ford Taurus remains missing as of the latest report.
The Special Victims Unit is leading the investigation, with assistance from additional law enforcement resources.
Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the suspect as quickly as possible.
Anyone with information regarding the suspect, the vehicle, or any part of this ongoing investigation is strongly encouraged to contact the Philadelphia Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 215-685-3251. Tips can also be submitted anonymously by calling the PPD Tip Line at 215-686-TIPS (8477).
This remains an active and ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Crime
Venezuelan national Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis shot in the leg by an immigration agent in Minneapolis
On January 14, 2025, federal law enforcement personnel were engaged in a targeted enforcement operation involving Julio Cesar Sosa-Celis, a Venezuelan national who has been present in the United States since 2022.
The operation escalated into a high-speed pursuit, a physical confrontation, and an ambush by multiple subjects, necessitating the use of a defensive firearm discharge by a federal agent.
At approximately 6:50 PM, federal officers initiated a targeted traffic stop of a vehicle operated by Sosa-Celis.
The subject refused to comply with law enforcement commands and attempted to flee the scene.
During the pursuit, the subject’s vehicle collided with a stationary, parked car.
Following the collision, the subject abandoned the vehicle and fled the scene on foot.
A federal agent pursued the suspect on foot and successfully intercepted him. As the agent attempted to effect an arrest, the subject became combative, resulting in a violent struggle on the ground.
During this confrontation, two additional male subjects emerged from a nearby residence to intervene.
These individuals reportedly ambushed the agent, utilizing a snow shovel and a broom handle to strike the officer.
The situation escalated when the primary suspect, Sosa-Celis, regained his footing and joined the two additional subjects in the assault.
Reports indicate the suspect struck the agent with a blunt object (identified as either the shovel or broom handle).
Citing an immediate threat to his life while being outnumbered and actively assaulted by three individuals, the agent discharged his service weapon in self-defense.
The discharge struck Sosa-Celis in the lower extremity (leg). Following the shot, all three suspects retreated into a nearby apartment complex and initiated a barricade situation.
Following a brief standoff, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) successfully secured the perimeter and apprehended all three individuals without further injury.
Both the federal agent and Sosa-Celis were transported to a local medical facility for treatment.
Images from the scene showed Sosa-Celis conscious and alert during transport.
All three subjects involved in the assault are currently in the custody of ICE.
Further charges related to the assault on a federal officer and resisting arrest are pending review by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.